Texas Man Names 22 Companies in Asbestos Lawsuit

A Texas man is suing 22 defendant corporations, alleging that he developed a terminal asbestos-related illness on account of negligence of the companies.

In a lawsuit filed at Jefferson County District Court, George Warren states that he was diagnosed with the disease after working as an electrician’s helper, pipe cutter, welder, painter, operator, foreman and laborer from 1948 to 1979.

Warren says that he developed the disease because he was exposed to and inhaled asbestos fibers during his job. Warren was absolutely unaware of the hazards of asbestos exposure, the lawsuit states.

Warren alleges that the defendants neither warn him of the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, not provide him with proper and safe working apparel.

The companies also failed to provide Warren with a safe workplace; instead they allowed a dangerous condition to exist, the lawsuit states. Warren alleges that the defendant corporations marketed dangerous asbestos products when safer alternatives were readily available.

According to the lawsuit, the defendants negligently failed to test their products prior to marketing them; failed to place warning labels on the asbestos products; failed to warn Warren on the right way to handle asbestos products; failed to implement a safety plan; and failed to follow government safety regulations.

As a result of his illness, Warren experienced physical pain, suffering and mental anguish; lost wages; lost his ability to earn; suffered physical impairment and disfigurement; and incurred medical expenses, the complaint states.

Warren is seeking actual and exemplary damages, in addition to costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief the court deems appropriate.

A.O. Smith Corp., American Cyanamid Company, American Optical Corp., Ametek Inc., CBS Corp., Certainteed Corp., Chevron, Cleaver Brooks, Cytec Industries, Dana Companies, Garlock Sealing Technologies, Goodrich Corp., Greene Tweed and Co., Honeywell International, Huntsman Petrochemical Corp., Ingersoll-Rand Co., John Crane, Owens-Illinois, Texaco, Union Oil Company of California and Unocal Corp. are the defendants named in the lawsuit.

The case will be presided over by Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court.

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