A Louisiana woman has filed a new second hand mesothelioma lawsuit, alleging she was exposed to asbestos fibers via both her father and her husband because of their work.

According to the second hand mesothelioma lawsuit, the plaintiff, Linda G., was exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers for years when her father, John T., came home from work at Avondale Shipyards. She alleges this second hand exposure lasted from 1950 through 1955, as well as 1960. John was constantly exposed to asbestos fibers at work, which would then contaminate his work clothes, making it all the way back to his family home and endangering Linda, the second hand mesothelioma lawsuit claims.

Linda says she was further exposed to asbestos through her husband Richard G.’s work with Avondale Shipyards from 1966 through 1973.

Linda has since been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. In response, Linda filed this second hand mesothelioma lawsuit, alleging that her mesothelioma was caused as a direct result of this secondhand asbestos exposure through the fifties, sixties, and seventies.

The second hand mesothelioma lawsuit was filed on multiple counts, including strict liability and negligence and negligent action., claiming that Avondale Industries failed to provide a safe work environment or even warn employees about the dangers of asbestos fibers, including the risks of second asbestos exposure that could affect their families.

Asbestos Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is a dangerous form of cancer that affects thousands of Americans each year. It attacks the lining of the lungs, a thin layer of tissue known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma cancer generally take decades to develop—there is usually around a forty-year delay between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma cancer diagnosis.

Because of these factors, asbestos mesothelioma cancer is commonly diagnosed at a later stage of development, which makes it significantly more dangerous for patients.

The vast majority of mesothelioma cases can be linked with exposure to asbestos. Not of all these cases involve direct exposure—indeed, people like Linda may be exposed to asbestos fibers secondhand over long periods of time, allowing fibers to build up.

So what, exactly, is asbestos? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used for manufacturing purposes such as electrical or building insulation, as well as countless other uses. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, or a substance capable of causing cancer. While many regulations are in place, there are still some asbestos-containing construction materials, meaning that construction workers generally face the highest risk of asbestos exposure.

The microscopic fibers of asbestos can accumulate in the lungs, but then quickly spread to distant organs. Asbestos exposure can cause several critical health problems, the worst of which is asbestos mesothelioma cancer.

Filing a Second Hand Mesothelioma Lawsuit

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer and believe you may have been exposed secondhand to asbestos fibers, such as when a loved one comes back home after being exposed to these dangerous fibers at work, you may be able to file a second hand mesothelioma lawsuit. If you were exposed directly, you can file an asbestos lawsuit.

Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering of cancer like mesothelioma, but it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical bills and lost wages.

The Second Hand Mesothelioma Lawsuit is Case No. 2:17-cv-07666, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.