Two New Asbestos Suits Filed in West Virginia
July 26th, 2008
Two new asbestos-related lawsuits filed in West Virginia in June name more than 100 defendants between them.
The first was filed by Mary Kathryn Black on behalf of the estate of her deceased husband, Steve Black. The second was filed on behalf of Joseph M. Hutchison III and his wife, Ann Hutchison. Both lawsuits were filed in Kanawha County Circuit Court on June 6.
Mary Kathryn Black, the widow of steelworker Steve Black, claims that her husband died as a result of asbestos exposure which caused him to develop lung cancer and esophageal cancer.
Steve Black worked for companies such as Armco Steel. Other defendants in the suit include six corporations which reside in West Virginia: McJunkin Corporation, Ohio Valley Insulating, State Electric Supply, Union Boiler Company, Vimasco Corporation and West Virginia Electric Supply.
The suit alleges that Steve Black developed asbestos-related cancers as a result of working for companies involved in the manufacture, distribution, sale, installation, and removal of products containing asbestos.
According to the lawsuit, Steve Black’s lifespan and enjoyment of life was greatly diminished as a result of his asbestos exposure. His widow, Mary Kathryn Black, is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
The second lawsuit was filed on June 6 on behalf of Joseph M. Hutchison III and his wife, Ann Hutchison.
The lawsuit names a total of 79 different defendant companies, and claims that the defendants are responsible for Joseph M. Hutchison III having developed asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Joseph Hutchison worked in South Charleston as a laborer, and was employed with Union Carbide. Hutchison was also student and faculty member of West Virginia University.
The lawsuit claims that Joseph Hutchison was exposed to asbestos while working with and around products in use at sites where he was employed. The sites were located in and across West Virginia.
The suit includes fifteen counts, relating to the financial, physical, and emotional losses suffered by both Joseph and Ann Hutchinson. They are seeking compensatory and punitive damages for their losses.
