Jack Atkins has filed a second asbestos suit against 20 companies. Atkins claims he was exposed to asbestos during his work for the companies, reports the Southeast Texas Record.
Atkins claims he developed an asbestos-related disease separate from the other, nonmalignant asbestos-related disease he had previously sued for. He alleges the disease formed as a result of inhaling toxic asbestos fibers while on the job. Atkins worked as a sheet metal worker and supervisor for 32 years.
Asbestos is a highly hazardous material, once desired for its fire retardant properties. When disturbed, the material can easily be aerosolized, and then inhaled. Such exposure has been known to cause several diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most aggressive asbestos-related disease, known to form from the internal linings of the lung, heart and abdominal cavities. The rare disease affects nearly 3,000 Americans each year.
Symptoms of the disease, such as chest pain and shortness of breath, lie dormant for 10 to 50 years. Because of this, even the best doctors struggle to diagnose patients in the early stages of their disease. And due to patients’ late diagnosis, mesothelioma treatmenttends to arrive late.
Atkins has blamed the companies for allowing their employees to work around the asbestos products. He also blames the companies for failing to warn him of the dangers related to asbestos exposure.
This entry was posted on Friday, August 20th, 2010 at 7:23 am and is filed under News.
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