Widow files second suit over husband's asbestos-related disease

A woman has filed suit against seven defendant corporations on behalf of her recently deceased husband, claiming his asbestos-related disease was caused by the companies' negligence.

Elijah Denson Sr. worked as a laborer, furnace worker and carpenter, where according to the complaint he was exposed to asbestos-containing products.

On behalf of her deceased husband, Willie Mae Denson claims the defendants failed to test the asbestos-containing products before they were introduced into the stream of commerce, according to the lawsuit filed Sept. 17 in Jefferson County District Court.

This is the second suit filed over asbestos-related injuries to Elijah Denson Sr. In this one, Willie Mae Denson claims a different injury on behalf of her husband than in the prior complaint.

She says the defendant companies were negligent by failing to timely warn Elijah Denson about the dangers of asbestos.

The suit states the companies also negligently continued to manufacture the products around which Elijah Denson worked, even after they were aware of the asbestos danger.

The companies named as defendants in the suit are A.O. Smith Corp., Babcock Borsig Power, CBS Corp., Cleaver Brooks, General Refractories Co., Ingersoll Rand Co. and Lockheed Martin.

According to the suit, Elijah Denson Sr. was unaware of the hazards and defects in the asbestos-containing products.

Elijah Denson Sr. suffered great physical pain and mental anguish, incurred medical costs and suffered from a physical impairment and disfigurement because of his reliance on the companies, the suit claims.

Willie Mae Denson has incurred funeral bills after her husband's death.

In the lawsuit, Willie Mae Denson is seeking unspecified actual and exemplary damages, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and for other relief the Court deems appropriate.

She is represented by Bryan O. Blevins and Aaryn K. Giblin of Provost and Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont.

The case has been assigned to Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court.

Jefferson County District Court Case No:B184-938