Asbestos News Roundup: 11.3.11

November 3rd, 2011. By LucyC

A roundup of recent asbestos-related news and information that you should be aware of. An ongoing list of reported asbestos hot spots in the US from the Asbestos News Roundup archive appears on our asbestos map.

Asbestos Lawsuit

Another asbestos lawsuit has been added to the growing list of cases in St. Clair County’s asbestos docket…

St. Clair County, IL: Kay Richter of Wisconsin has filed an asbestos lawsuit alleging the her recently deceased husband, Robert E. Richter Sr., lung cancer and recent death were caused by his exposure to asbestos-containing products throughout his career.

From 1964 until 1969 Robert E. Richter Sr. worked as a mechanic at Jones Auto Garage, from 1969 until 1978 he worked as a mechanic at Wunnicke Transfer Auto Garage, and from 1980 to 2000 he worked as a mechanic at Boscobel Track and Roller Auto Garage according to the lawsuit.

Mrs. Richter claims in her lawsuit that the defendants should have known of the harmful effects of asbestos, but failed to exercise reasonable care and caution for her husband’s safety. Consequently, and because of his disease, Robert E. Richter Sr. became disabled and disfigured, incurred medical costs and suffered great physical pain and mental anguish. Moreover, he became prevented from pursuing his normal course of employment and, as a result, lost large sums of money that would have accrued, Mrs. Richter claims.

Ultimately, Robert E. Richter Sr., died from lung cancer on February 27, 2010, leaving his family without his support and society. Furthermore, Robert E. Richter Sr.’s next-of-kin incurred funeral and burial costs, according to the lawsuit.

In her five-count complaint, Kay Richter is seeking compensatory damages of more than $100,000, economic damages of more than $50,000 and punitive and exemplary damages of more than $50,000, plus other relief the court deems just. (Madisonrecord.com)

Asbestos Settlement

Juneau, Alaska: A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit against the state of Alaska that requires the state to pay for the replacement or repair of five schools, all in remote villages. The schools were old and require asbestos removal and upgrading in order to make them safe for use. The settlement marks the end of a 14-year old lawsuit against the state, and is expected to have far reaching effects.

According to a report in NewsMiner.com the terms of the settlement, which remain to be approved by a judge, require the “governor to seek legislative approval for funding five high-priority school construction projects in rural Alaska over the next four years. Estimates have put the cost of the projects, which include school renovations and replacements, at nearly $146 million.” The lawsuit’s plaintiffs, which includes parents, reserves the right to reopen the case if funding isn’t provided as described in the agreement. (Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.com)

Asbestos Hot Spots

Chicago, IL: Asbestos has been found in several classrooms at the Sunny Hill Grade School in Carpentersville, and students at an elementary school in Barrington Unit District 220 are being temporarily relocated.

Officials say the asbestos was “most likely” not airborne and students were not exposed to it. The asbestos was discovered by work crews who were removing white boards in the classrooms. The workers spotted the glue-based asbestos late last week. (Chicagotribune.com)

Tags: Asbestos, asbestos lawsuit, Asbestos Settlement, asbestosis, mesothelioma

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