A lawsuit was recently filed by a man who claims he suffers from mesothelioma as the result of his exposure to asbestos. The man formerly worked as a pipefitter, welder, and pipeliner. During his career, he believes he was unknowingly exposed to asbestos and other harmful chemicals. As a result of his exposure to asbestos, he developed a rare form of cancer known as mesothelioma. The illness often goes undetected for many years and researchers have yet to find a cure for the fatal disease. The man has named 36 companies as defendants in the case. Among the defendants are Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, Pfizer, and Viacom.
Workplace Exposure
Tommy Harnell was reportedly diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer this past July. Harnell attributes his illness to the fact that he was exposed to the toxic substance, asbestos, during 1957. Harnell and his wife filed the suit in August claiming his former employers failed to warn him of the risks linked to asbestos. Harnell also claims his former employers did nothing to implement any sort of safety plan for their workers to prevent them from being exposed to the substance.
Harnell says he was completely unaware of the dangers he faced on a daily basis at his job. In the lawsuit, him and his wife claim he now suffers from a great deal of physical pain and mental anguish due to the increase in medical expenses and decline of his health. Harnell’s wife also says she has suffered from a loss of companionship. The Harnell’s are seeking unspecified general, special, punitive, and exemplary damages in the lawsuit.