Blevins
A Texas woman is blaming 18 defendant companies for the death of a man who allegedly developed a malignant asbestos-related disease and industrial dust diseases after working around products manufactured by the companies.
Juanita Keith Hutto filed a lawsuit June 28 in Jefferson County District Court on behalf of Jimmie Jefferson Hutto, claiming he died from an asbestos-related disease.
The defending companies named in the complaint are: A.W. Chesterton Company, American Optical Corp., Anco Insulation, Asten Group, CBS Corporation, D&F Distributing, Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation, General Electric Corporation, Guardline, Ingersoll Rand, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co., Owens Illinois, Oxy USA, Sepco Corporation, Tin, TexasGulf, Union Carbide Corporation and Zurn Industries.
Juanita Keith Hutto alleges the defendant companies caused Jimmie Jefferson Hutto's disease because they failed to adequately test their products and failed to warn of the dangers of asbestos exposure.
Jimmie Jefferson Hutto was exposed to asbestos during his work as a welder, boilermaker, shipfitter, machinist and roughneck, according to the complaint.
At the time the products were manufactured, the defending companies knew of the hazards associated with asbestos but failed to remove their products from the market, according to the complaint.
Some defendant companies, such as 3M and American Optical Corporation, failed to provide Jimmie Jefferson Hutto with adequate masks to protect him from the asbestos, while other businesses forced Jimmie Jefferson Hutto to work in close proximity to asbestos, the suit states.
Because of his exposure to the asbestos fibers, Jimmie Jefferson Hutto experienced pain, suffering, mental anguish, lost wages and his earning capacity, disfigurement and physical impairment before his death, the complaint says.
Juanita Keith Hutto claims she has incurred medical and funeral bills relating to Jimmie Jefferson Hutto's death.
Juanita Keith Hutto is seeking actual and exemplary damages, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief to which she may be entitled.
Bryan O. Blevins Jr. of Provost and Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont is representing her.
The case has been assigned to Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court.
Case No. B190-422