Children file asbestos suit against 21 companies on late father's behalf

From 1946 to 1980, Reginald Franklin worked at the DuPont facility in Orange. In April, he died from lung cancer.

Now, Franklin's children are claiming his long-term employer and 20 other companies maliciously and purposefully exposed him to asbestos.

Representing his estate, Mae Franklin filed an asbestos suit on her father's behalf in Orange County District Court on Dec. 15. Several of her siblings are also plaintiffs in the suit.

Some of the defendants named in the suit include ABCO Industries, Owens Illinois and the A.W. Chesteron Co.

In addition to working for DuPont for nearly four decades, Franklin also served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The suit does not specify what Franklin's work duties included while in DuPont's employment.

The suit alleges all of the defendants conspired to mine, manufacture, sell and place asbestos and asbestos products in the mainstream of commerce.

"The negligence of defendant(s) ... caused Franklin's injurious exposure to asbestos fibers," the suit states.

Franklin died on April 6, court papers say.

His children are seeking exemplary damages.

The plaintiffs are represented by Tina Bradley, attorney for the Hobson & Bradley law firm.

The case has been assigned to Judge Pat Clark, 128th Judicial District.

Case No. A090651-c