The longer a worker is exposed to asbestos, the greater the risk of negative effects to his or her health. Many Minnesota employees who were exposed to asbestos were not informed of the impending health risks. Now, years later, the signs are manifesting and causing the former employees to suffer a variety of ailments, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. The suffering victims have every right to pursue legal action against their employers if they were not informed of all of the possible hazards of their former occupations.
A former steelworker and his wife filed claims against numerous companies that they believe acted negligently. Two of the well-known companies involved in the claim are 3M and General Electric. The plaintiff began working as a steelworker in 1978 for United States Steel, and he claims that this was the beginning of his long-term exposure to asbestos. He alleges that he ingested, inhaled and absorbed asbestos fibers during his employment. The plaintiff asserts that he is being treated for asbestos-induced lung cancer because of his contact with the fibers.
According to the complaint, the products that the defendants distributed, produced and sold were known to be very dangerous, but the hazards were not made known to those exposed to them. All defendants in the suit are being accused of negligence. Other defendants are also being accused of trying to hide evidence and keep the dangers of asbestos exposure hidden from the public.
Watching a loved one suffer because of an illness that could have been prevented is never easy on anyone. It often completely changes the lives of both the victim and the victim’s family members forever. Minnesota workers who find themselves in similar situations due to asbestos exposure in the workplace may choose to pursue legal action. Claimants who win their cases may be awarded damages for pain and suffering, as well as compensation for financial losses and incurred medical expenses.
Source: madisonrecord.com, “Granite City steel worker says companies are to blame for his lung cancer diagnosis”, Nov. 3, 2014
