Mesothelioma Law: Asbestos-Related Lawsuit Filed Against 38 Companies

A recently filed lawsuit by Cleveland J. Savoy is claiming 38 different companies are responsible for his development of an asbestos-related disease.

This is the second suit he has filed. In a previous suit issued against the companies, Savoy claimed a different asbestos-related injury in contrast to his most recent complaint.

Savoy believes he was exposed to asbestos-containing products while working as a carpenter. He also stated in the lawsuit that the companies negligently continued to manufacture asbestos-containing products where he worked even after knowing the hazards associated with asbestos.

Exposure to asbestos has been linked to several serious illnesses, including lung cancer, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma. The latter can be particularly harmful because most patients unknowingly develop the cancer. Symptoms of mesothelioma may take as long as 50 years to arise, and by then the malignant tumors have already reached the advanced stages of development.

Treating an asbestos-related disease can be extremely difficult for doctors if not diagnosed during the early stages of development. Most treatment methods only offer palliative care and are not aimed at curing the disease.

According to the suit, Savoy claims the companies failed to test the asbestos-laden products before introducing them into the stream of commerce. He also says the companies were negligent for failing to notify him about the dangers of asbestos in a timely manner.

Savoy states he has experienced physical pain, mental anguish, lost wages, medical costs, loss of earning capacity, and sustained disfigurement and physical impairment.

In the lawsuit that was filed on Nov. 5, 2009, Savoy is seeking unspecified actual and exemplary damages, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief the Court deems appropriate.

Thousands of lawsuits similar to Savoy's have been filed against companies who conspired to hide information pertaining to the hazards of asbestos. Those experiencing symptoms of an asbestos-related disease, which may include shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough and abdominal pain, should be checked for signs of asbestos exposure by a qualified doctor.

Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.