Cindy Burns has taken legal action against a Texas-based company, alleging its negligence led to the death of her father, William T. Langham, from mesothelioma. On January 31, 2025, Burns filed a complaint in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, accusing Payne & Keller Company of exposing Langham to asbestos during his employment from 1947 to 1973.
The lawsuit details how Langham's prolonged exposure to asbestos-containing products resulted in his contraction of mesothelioma, a deadly disease linked to asbestos exposure. Burns claims that Payne & Keller Company was aware or should have been aware of the hazardous nature of their products but failed to take necessary precautions or provide adequate warnings. The plaintiff argues that the company's actions constitute strict liability and breach of warranty as they sold defective and dangerous products without proper testing or safety measures.
Burns is seeking various forms of relief from the court, including compensatory damages for pain and suffering endured by Langham before his death, medical expenses incurred, funeral costs, and loss of consortium for his heirs. Additionally, she is pursuing punitive damages aimed at punishing Payne & Keller Company for their alleged misconduct and negligence.
Represented by attorney Samantha Smith from Williams Hart & Boundas L.L.P., Cindy Burns is determined to hold Payne & Keller accountable for her father's untimely death. The case is presided over by Judge Bemita Barrett under Case ID 2025-06714 in the 164th District Court.