A number of corporations, including A.H. Bennet Company and A.Q. Chesteron Company, face a recent asbestos related disease lawsuit by a woman on behalf of her deceased spouse, who passed away due to an asbestos-related illness. The plaintiff alleges the companies are responsible for her loved one’s death, due to negligent mishandling of asbestos her husband took part in while working for the companies.

Plaintiff Catherine S. files the asbestos related disease lawsuit on behalf of her deceased spouse Duane S. in North Dakota District Court.

According to her asbestos related disease lawsuit, Catherine says that her spouse had worked for the companies that were engaged in manufacturing asbestos containing products, and for mining the raw materials. Duane allegedly worked for the accused companies and became exposed to asbestos containing material during his employment.

The exposure to asbestos and asbestos products “directly and proximately caused him to develop the illness of asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases,” the lawsuit states.

Additionally, allegations against the companies state that they knew of the hazards and risks associated with asbestos exposure but failed to exercise proper care in informing their employees of these detrimental adverse effects or offer protective gear.

According to the asbestos related disease lawsuit, the defendants failed to exercise proper compliance in keeping their employees, including Duane safe during the span of his employment. Specifically, the company is accused of failing to:

• Place any warnings on the asbestos containing materials to warn handlers of the risks involved in coming into contact with the products
• Establish and enforce a safety plan or safe methods for asbestos handling

Overview: Asbestos Related Disease

Asbestos is a set of heat-resistant silicate minerals that naturally develop in the environment. Asbestos develops as natural bundles of fibers. They can be woven into fabrics and used as insulation material for products such as in the linings of brakes.

Throughout the years, asbestos has been long used as insulation material for other products such as floor tiles, pipes, stream lines, building materials, and in clutches.

Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious detrimental effects, however. For example, the substance has been long linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma.

In the event of asbestos exposure, there are signs and symptoms that follow. However, it may take years and even decades before they start to really show. Symptoms and side effects linked to asbestos exposure may include some of the following:

• Shortness of breath, hoarseness, or wheezing
• Pain or tightening in the chest
• Difficulty swallowing
• A persistent cough that worsens over time
• Loss of appetite
• Anemia or fatigue
• Weight loss
• Swelling of the face or neck
• Blood in the fluid coughed up from the lungs

Certain occupations may also be more prone to asbestos exposure
and thus development of serious conditions, including lung cancer. Some of these occupations may include those working in the Navy, like on shipyards, or as auto mechanics, paper mill workers, roofers, and plumbers among others.

The Asbestos Related Disease Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-00251-DLH-ARS, filed in the State of North Dakota East Central Judicial District.