17 defendants named in suit over man's asbestos-related death

A Texas woman is blaming 17 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.

Abbie Gale Bryant filed a lawsuit July 12 in Jefferson County District Court on behalf of Homer Mitchell Bryant Jr., claiming he died from an asbestos-related disease.

This is the second asbestos complaint filed on behalf of Homer Mitchell Bryant Jr. He previously filed a complaint, alleging damages from a different non-malignant asbestos related disease he developed.

The defending companies named in the complaint are: A.O. Smith Corp. , CBS Corp., Clever Brooks Inc., Crane Co., Crown Cork and Seal Co., D&F Distributing, Foster Wheeler Energy Corp., Goulds Pumps, Guardline Inc., Ingersoll Rand, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co., Riley Power, Union Carbide Corp. and Zurn Industries.

Abbie Gale Bryant alleges the defendant companies caused Homer Mitchell Bryant Jr.'s disease because they failed to adequately test their products and failed to warn of the dangers of asbestos exposure.

Homer Mitchell Bryant Jr. was exposed to asbestos during his work as a millwright, boilermaker, welder and operator, 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 Corp., failed to provide Homer Mitchell Bryant Jr. with adequate masks to protect him from the asbestos, while other businesses forced Homer Mitchell Bryant Jr. to work in close proximity to asbestos, the suit states.

Because of his exposure to the asbestos fibers, Homer Mitchell Bryant Jr. experienced pain, suffering, mental anguish,, disfigurement and physical impairment before his death, the complaint says.

Abbie Gale Bryant claims she has incurred medical and funeral bills relating to her husband's death.

Abbie Gale Bryant 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 Bob Wortham, 58th District Court.

Case No. A190-488