A recent asbestos lawsuit claims that prolonged exposure to asbestos containing products caused one Navy veteran to develop occupational lung disease.

Plaintiff Lecil G. says he served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1967, during which time he was stationed aboard vessels with asbestos containing products. After his service in the Navy, Lecil worked for General Dynamics.

From 1967 to 1978, Lecil says he worked for the company as a nuclear quality inspector and, from 1979 to 2000, he worked as a quality inspector foreman. During these periods of his life, Lecil was allegedly exposed to asbestos multiple times.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which can be pulled into light, fluffy fibers. These fibers were long prized for their resistance to heat, chemical erosion, and electricity, making asbestos a popular additive in materials such as insulation. However, asbestos was later discovered to be a dangerous material capable of seriously harming people.

When asbestos containing materials are cut, sanded or otherwise disturbed, they can release asbestos particles into the air.

These particles can be inhaled or ingested where they are reportedly difficult to expel from the body. When asbestos particles get stuck in the body, it is thought that they can cause inflammation and scarring which are precursors to conditions such as occupational lung disease and cancer.

The occupational lung disease lawsuit claims that Lecil’s repeated, prolonged exposure to asbestos and asbestos containing products caused him to develop a variety of conditions including asbestosis, asbestos related lung disease, cardio-pulmonary disease, lung disease and loss of lung function.

According to the Mayo Clinic, asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. The inhaled fibers can become lodged within the lungs and interfere with healthy lung function.

They can also cause a buildup of scar tissue, which makes the lungs stiff. Common symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath, a dry cough, loss of appetite, chest pain, chest tightness and fingertips/toes which appear wider and rounder than normal.

In addition to his current occupational lung disease, Lecil is allegedly at an increased risk for developing further asbestos related illnesses including cancer.

The occupational lung disease lawsuit names numerous defendants including General Electric Company, CBS Corporation, Crane Co., Elliott Company, and Foster Wheeler LLC. Lecil says the defendants either manufactured, sold, or distributed asbestos containing products.

Lecil claims that the defendants knew or should have known about the risk for occupational lung disease with asbestos exposure based on the scientific evidence available. Additionally, he claims that they should have included warnings for workers like Lecil to they would have known to take precautions and protect themselves against the inhalation and ingestion of asbestos fibers.

“The Defendants failed to warn or inadequately warned persons such as the Plaintiff of the dangers to their health from coming in contact with and breathing said asbestos, asbestos related insulation products, asbestos-containing products, and of the dangers involved in installing and removing asbestos from their products,” the occupational lung disease lawsuit argues.

Lecil seeks monetary damages greater than $15,000, punitive damages, exemplary damages, and any other relief the court deems appropriate.

The Occupational Lung Disease Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-01868-RNC in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.