Asbestos News Roundup: 12.22.11

December 22nd, 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

St. Clair County, IL: An asbestos lawsuit has been filed by Larry Southerland naming 22 defendant corporations which, he alleges, caused him to develop lung cancer.

In his lawsuit, Southerland states that he worked as a drywall installer in the Atlanta area at Garner Drywall from 1974 until 1980 and as a drywall installer at Davco Construction from 1980 until 1993. It was during this time and while working at these companies that he claims he was exposed to asbestos-containing products. The lawsuit states that the defendants should have known of the harmful effects of asbestos, but failed to exercise reasonable care and caution for the Southerland’s safety.

As a result of his asbestos-related disease, Southerland became disabled and disfigured, incurred medical costs and suffered great physical pain and mental anguish, the complaint says. In addition, he became prevented from pursuing his normal course of employment and, as a result, lost large sums of money that would have accrued to him, he alleges in the lawsuit .

In his five-count complaint, Southerland is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, compensatory damages of more than $100,000 and punitive and exemplary damages of more than $100,000, plus other relief the court deems just. (madisonrecord.com)

Asbestos Settlement

Seattle, WA: A jury has awarded an 84-year-old man from Vashon Island, Washington, a $1.45 million settlement in his asbestos lawsuit. The jury hearing his case ruled that Roger Hammett’s employers were responsible for his asbestos exposure and therefore liable for his developing asbestos-related mesothelioma. Hammett has been given less than a year to live.

According to news reports, Hammett worked as a messman on board the SS Seattle 45 years ago, during which time he alleges he breathed asbestos fibers from pipe insulation, which ultimately led to his development of asbestos mesothelioma.

Three years ago Hammett sought medical attention, believing he was suffering from asthma. However, after collapsing while gardening, he was told he had terminal asbestos-related disease. (KOMO News)

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

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