34 companies named in Jefferson County asbestos suit

A Houston man has filed an asbestos suit against 34 defendant corporations, claiming the asbestos-related disease with which he was diagnosed was wrongfully caused.

Lonnie D. Martin claims he was diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to large amounts of asbestos in products manufactured, sold, designed, supplied, distributed, mined, milled, relabeled, resold, processed, applied or installed by the defendant companies.

Martin alleges his disease was caused because he inhaled, ingested or otherwise absorbed asbestos fibers while at work. Martin claims he did not know of the hazards of asbestos exposure, according to the complaint.

Defending companies named in the complaint include American Standard, Aqua-Chem, Aurora Pump Company, A.W. Chesterton, Babacock Borsig Power, Baker Hughes, Bryan Steam Corporation, Buffalo Pumps, Certain-Teed Corporation, Crane, Dover Corporation, Dow Chemical Company, ExxonMobile Oil Corporation, Flowserve Corporation, FMC Corporation, Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation, General Electric Company, Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Goulds Pumps, Guard-Line, Ingersoll-Rand, Lawrence Pumps, Leslie Controls, Lucey Boiler Company, Peerless Pump Company, Sihi Pumps, Spx Corporation, Sta-Rite Industries, Sulzer Pumps, Union Carbide Corporation, Viacom, Viking Pump, Weir Minerals North America, Yarway Corporation and Zurn Industries.

Martin states the defendants failed to adequately warn him of the serious health hazards related to asbestos exposure and failed to provide him with what would be considered adequate and safe working apparel.

In addition, the defending companies failed to provide Martin with a safe workplace, allowed a dangerous condition to exist, failed to warn Martin of the hazardous condition and to warn him that asbestos particles could lead to disease and failed to market asbestos products that were safe to use, according to the complaint.

The defendants negligently failed to test their products before they were released into the stream of commerce; failed to place warning labels on the asbestos products; failed to warn Warren on the proper way to handle asbestos products; failed to enforce a safety plan; and failed to follow government regulations, the suit states.

Because of his disease, Martin experienced physical pain, suffering and mental anguish; lost wages; lost his earning capacity; suffered disfigurement and physical impairment and incurred medical costs.

In the lawsuit, Martin is seeking general, punitive, special and exemplary damages, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief to which he may be entitled.

He will be represented by James C. Ferrell and Bradlyn J. Cole of Houston

The case has been assigned to Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court.

Case No. E194-556