A Wisconsin man alleges he developed mesothelioma cancer from working with products contaminated with asbestos, which were allegedly provided, installed and distributed by the companies named in his lawsuit.

Along with his wife, he opted to file legal action soon after his cancer diagnosis, alleging the companies either knew or should have known their products contained asbestos. Plaintiff couple Donald G. and Anne G. filed their asbestos mesothelioma cancer lawsuit against several major manufacturers including Aurora Pump Company, Blackmer Pump Company, and CBS Corporation, alleging they contributed to his mesothelioma cancer development.

According to the asbestos disease lawsuit, Donald suffered regular asbestos exposure while serving in the United States Navy from September 1955 to March 1986. He served at various locations and aboard the USS Ranger, USS Oriskany, USS Independence, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the USS Forrestal.

For his occupational duties, Donald says he was regularly required to handle products that allegedly contained asbestos that was mined, manufactured, designed, and distributed by several of the defendant companies including Aurora Pumps and Blackmer Pumps. Donald alleges that due to this regular asbestos exposure, he developed mesothelioma cancer and has been contending with the disease ever since.

Donald and Anne opted to file legal action against the companies, arguing that the companies failed to give proper warning or disclosure to this fact. Other employees have filed lawsuits for asbestos lung cancer caused by occupational exposure.

Overview of Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that manifests in the lining of the organs; it is directly caused by asbestos exposure. When the fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they can become lodged in the lungs and cause severe scarring. This significantly increases the chances of cancer developing.

Cancer impacts a patient for the rest of their life. However, with asbestos-caused cancers, it can take up to an average of 35 years to develop signs or symptoms. In the case of Donald’s and others who suffer mesothelioma cancer, this delay often results in latent diagnoses and limited treatment options.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States and is most often seen in people who had to work with asbestos for their previous occupation.

Asbestos was popularly used before the 1980s as insulation for various construction projects for its fire and chemical resistant qualities, and was widely implemented in many United States Navy ships and ship yards. Other industries that used asbestos were railroad and automotive, gas mask manufacturers, plumbing, and older homes.

It was not until the 1970s that health officials started becoming concerned over the possible carcinogenic effects of asbestos, with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) placing strict policies regarding acceptable levels of asbestos in work environments.

OSHA currently requires companies to test the air in their facilities for asbestos fibers, and to keep levels below 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter during an eight hour work shift, but it’s too late for Donald. He alleges CBS and the other companies did nothing to protect him against the dangers of asbestos exposure, which has permanently impacted his quality of life and that of his wife.

This Asbestos Disease Lawsuit is Case No. N18C-08-128 ASB, in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware