Former pipefitter, welder names 36 defendants in mesothelioma lawsuit

A man who formerly worked as a pipefitter, welder and pipeliner and his wife have filed a lawsuit against 36 companies, alleging that his mesothelioma cancer was caused by exposure to asbestos that occurred in the workplace.

Tommy Harrell was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer commonly attributed to asbestos exposure, on July 30, 2009. Harrell says he was previously exposed to asbestos on the job when he worked around the toxic mineral beginning in 1957.

Harrell and his wife filed the asbestos-related lawsuit against the numerous corporations on August 31, stating that the companies failed to warn Harnell of the hazards associated with asbestos exposure and did not implement a safety plan to properly handle the mineral.

Harnell said he was unaware of the dangers he faced on the job and, according to the lawsuit, now suffers a great deal of physical pain and mental anguish and faces increasing medical expenses.  Harnell’s wife says she has suffered loss of Harnell’s care, maintenance, services, support, advice, counsel, companionship, society and consortium because of his mesothelioma diagnosis.

The Harnells are seeking unspecified general, special, punitive and exemplary damages, plus costs and pre- and post-judgment interest. The corporations listed as defendants in the lawsuit include Afton Pumps, Amerflex Rubber and Gasket, Ametek, BWIP, CBS, Certainteed, FMC, Foster Wheeler Energy, Georgia Pacific, Goodyear Tire and Rubber, Goulds Pumps, Ingersoll Rand, J-M Manufacturing, J. Graves Insulation, John Crane, Lamons Gasket, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, Pfizer, Rapid-American, Standco Industries, Triplex, Union Carbide, Viacom, Yarway and Zurn Industries. –http://www.asbestos.com