CSX named in asbestos lawsuit

CHARLESTON - A couple is suing eight companies, including CSX Transportation, in an asbestos lawsuit recently filed in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Edward and Darlene Thomas only sued companies that manufactured asbestos products that Edward was exposed to during his 40 years as a forklift operator and storeroom clerk.

Cindy Kiblinger of James Humphreys and Associates is representing the Thomases, who entered the suit into court Aug. 8.

The other seven defendants are: A.W. Chesterton Co. of Mass.; Garlock, Inc. of New York; Industrial Holdings L.L.C. of New York; Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. of New York; Owens-Illinois, Inc. of Ohio; Rapid American Corp. of Del.; and Vimasco Corp. in Nitro.

CSX, the predecessor-in-interest to the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Co., which employed Thomas, recently uncovered fraud in an asbestos case against it.

Rodney Chambers of Huntington was found to have fabricated a doctor who he claimed treated him for asbestosis.

Thomas says he was exposed to asbestos from 1948-1987. His wife Darlene is suing for loss of consortium.

The couple seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as court costs.

A visiting judge will be assigned the case.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 06-C-1573