Asbestos News Roundup: 10.4.12 – Auto Mechanic Asbestos Risk

October 4th, 2012. 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.

Auto Mechanic Asbestos Disease Risk

Auto mechanics may not know it but they are at risk for asbestos-related disease. Asbestos was used in countless products, including automotive parts such as brake linings and clutch facings, from the 1930s until the 1980s. In fact, it is still used today in many products like car brakes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to an EPA document entitled “Guidance for Preventing Asbestos Disease Among Auto Mechanics”, “Millions of asbestos fibers can be released during brake and clutch servicing. Grinding and beveling friction products can cause even higher exposures. Like germs, asbestos fibers are small enough to be invisible and they can remain and accumulate in the lungs.” This can cause asbestos disease such as asbestos mesothelioma, which can take 30 years to manifest.

Asbestos Lawsuits

St. Clair County, IL: An asbestos lawsuit has been filed by Raymond and Deana Griggs naming 44 defendant corporations. In their lawsuit, the Griggs allege Raymond developed lung cancer as a result of being exposed to asbestos-containing product throughout the course of his work. The complaint states that Raymond Griggs worked as a miner, operator and maintenance worker from 1974 until 1984.

The Griggs further allege that the defendants should have known of the harmful effects of asbestos, but failed to exercise reasonable care and caution for Mr. Griggs’ safety.

As a result of his asbestos-related diseases, Raymond Griggs became disabled and disfigured, incurred medical costs and suffered great physical pain and mental anguish, the lawsuit states. In addition, he became prevented from pursuing his normal courses of employment and, as a result, lost large sums of money that would have accrued to him, the couple claim.

In their complaint, the Griggs are seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, compensatory damages of more than $100,000, economic damages of more than $150,000 and punitive and exemplary damages of more than $100,000, plus other relief the court deems just.

St. Clair County, IL: 77 defendant companies have been named in an asbestos lawsuit filed by Herman and Dorothy Leamons. Specifically, the Leamons allege the defendant companies caused Herman Leamons to develop colon cancer after his exposure to asbestos-containing products throughout his careers.

According to the Leamons’ complaint, Herman Leamons worked as a member of the PPF/UA Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union Local 706 out of Arkansas and worked as a pipefitter at Ace Supply Company from 1970 until 1977.

The Leamons allege the defendants should have known of the harmful effects of asbestos, but failed to exercise reasonable care and caution for the plaintiff’s safety.

As a result of their asbestos-related diseases, Herman Leamons became disabled and disfigured, incurred medical costs and suffered great physical pain and mental anguish, the lawsuit states. In addition, he became prevented from pursuing his normal courses of employment and, as a result, lost large sums of money that would have accrued to him, the Leamons allege in their lawsuit.

In their complaint, the Leamons are seeking a judgment of more than $150,000, punitive and exemplary damages of more than $100,000, economic damages of more than $100,000, compensatory damages of more than $100,000 and punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish the defendants and to prevent them from committing the same actions again.

Jefferson County, TX: Carol Gatlin has filed an asbestos lawsuit on behalf of the late Kenneth Gatlin, naming eight companies as defendants.

The lawsuit claims that because of Kenneth Gatlin’s exposure to asbestos-containing products over his career, he contracted esophageal cancer, a serious and debilitating disease that ended his life.

The lawsuit accuses the defendants of negligently selling and using asbestos products despite actual knowledge of the extreme risk of harm inherent to asbestos exposure. Further, the lawsuit claims the defendants also negligently failed to provide Kenneth Gatlin with a safe place to work.

The defendants named in the suit include Cameron Iron Works, Cooper Industries, Chevron USA, Air Liquide America, Guard-Line, Triplex, Yarway Corp. and Santa Fe Braun Inc. (SETexasrecord.com)

Asbestos Law

Chattanooga, TN: David Wood, James Mathis and Donald Fillers and the Watkins Street Project LLC have been sentenced for convictions of conspiracy and violating federal clean air laws. The men were charged for environmental violations that occurred while they worked on the demolition of a Chattanooga textile mill that contained large amounts of asbestos. Specifically, the prosecutors contended that while working on the former Standard Coosa Thatcher plant, the men and their company allowed asbestos to become airborne.

The men, convicted in January, were sentenced on Monday: Woods receive a 20-month prison sentence, Fillers a a a four-year prison sentence and fined $20,000, and Mathis received an 18-month prison term. The company must pay a $30,000 fine. (The Associated Press)

Tags: Asbestos, Asbestos Exposure, asbestos lawsuit, Asbestos Mesothelioma, Asbestos Settlement

This was posted on Thursday, October 4th, 2012 at 4:17 pm and is filed under Asbestos Mesothelioma, lawsuits, Settlement . Feel free to respond, or trackback. Read our comments policy.