A Texas man and his wife have filed a lawsuit against a number of former employers, alleging negligence and gross negligence leading to asbestos exposure and therefore lung cancer.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Case No. 4:14-CV-00196 last month and alleges that the defendants failed to uphold safety standards, created dangerous workplace conditions and failed to inform employees of the dangers of asbestos exposure. Several of the defendants named in the suit include General Electric, Goodyear, Shell Chemical LP, Sears Roebuck and Co, and Georgia-Pacific LLC.

The man and wife are pursuing damages plus court costs and other relief.

About Asbestos Exposure and the Rights of Asbestos Workers

Asbestos is a known carcinogen, a substance that causes cancer in humans. The dangers of asbestos exposure, however, were not always known by the public. Prior to the 1970s, asbestos was used in hundreds upon hundreds of products throughout the country without proper regulation. People who worked in shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing and in the military were at a particularly high risk of exposure due to the amount of asbestos materials used in these fields.

The federal government began regulating asbestos in the 1970s once the dangers of these naturally-occurring minerals were known. Later, it was revealed in court documents that asbestos manufacturers had known of the health consequences of asbestos exposure as early as the 1930s and yet continued to allow workers to be exposed, and continued to produce asbestos-containing products.

People who worked with or around asbestos prior to its regulation are at a particularly high risk of suffering from mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart and abdomen. Asbestos is also associated with lung cancer and may cause asbestosis, a condition that develops from scarring in the lungs caused by inhaled asbestos fibers. There are no cures for mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis.

The man in the lawsuit above is taking action against former employers, alleging their negligence resulted in his exposure to asbestos and therefore his potentially deadly medical condition. This is his right, and if he is successful in his pursuit of justice he may be able to recover significant financial compensation for his medical care, ongoing treatment and other expenses. He can help make sure his family is taken care of and can also hold his employers responsible if their conduct was the source of his exposure.

Working with a Legal Professional

Asbestos litigation can be exceedingly complex. Because exposure may have occurred decades ago, it may be difficult to locate former employers or other sources of exposure. It may also be challenging to establish a connection between a former job and one's current medical condition. That is why it is so important to involve an attorney who is experienced in these cases and has the resources to gather sufficient evidence to proceed.

At The Daspit Law Firm, we represent asbestos workers and others who have been exposed to this hazardous substance. We take on lawsuits in Houston and throughout Texas and are prepared to offer our experienced guidance when our clients need it most. Whether you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, mesothelioma or another asbestos-related condition, please do not hesitate to call our offices for a free case review. We can talk to you about potential sources of exposure and what options you have in taking legal action. Asbestos exposure can be deadly, and those companies that allowed employees and consumers to be exposed should be held accountable.