Mesothelioma-Related Lawsuits Continue to be Filed in Illinois

A series of lawsuits recently filed in Madison County Circuit Court in Illinois once again demonstrate the far-reaching tragedy caused by asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is dangerous because any amount of exposure can cause serious diseases, including a chronic, debilitating lung condition called asbestosis. This disease reduces lung capacity and makes breathing extremely painful. Exposure to the toxic substance can also cause the development of lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a harmful cancer that most commonly affects the lining of the lungs, known as pleural mesothelioma. Other organs in the body that have the potential to contract mesothelioma include the heart and abdomen.

People who have worked with or around asbestos-containing products are especially at risk for the disease, such as in the case of Illinois man Ray Kean who was diagnosed with mesothelioma on July 23, 2007.

According to the lawsuit filed on September 19, 2008, Kean worked as a laborer between 1956 and 1970, and as a carpenter and millwright between 1970 and 1996. During the course of his employment, Kean claims he was exposed to asbestos fibers in products he was working around on a regular basis.

His lawsuit names a total of 115 defendants, including asbestos product manufacturers and other companies. The eleven-count lawsuit asks for $100,000 or more in punitive and exemplary damages, $300,000 in compensatory damages, and punitive damages as deemed appropriate by the court.

In addition to employees, family members of those working with asbestos may also be at risk. This is the case with Iowa resident Candas Frost, whose husband Greg worked with asbestos during his employment as a Navy mechanic and automobile mechanic between 1971 and 1978.

According to the lawsuit filed by Candas and Greg Frost, Candas was exposed because her husband unknowingly transported asbestos fibers home on his hair and clothing. As a result, Candas developed malignant mesothelioma, and has suffered considerable mental and physical pain. She has also suffered from medical expenses and loss of income.

The seven-count lawsuit is seeking at least $100,000 in exemplary damages and $150,000 in compensatory damages. The couple is also asking for punitive damages and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.

This entry was posted on Monday, October 6th, 2008 at 1:30 pm and is filed under Asbestos Litigation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Responses are currently closed, but you trackback from your own site.