CHARLESTON - A woman whose husband died of a disease caused by asbestos exposure has sued 46 companies, including 16 in West Virginia, claiming they are responsible in for his death.
Joyce M. Tolman filed the suit on behalf of her late husband, Terry Warren Tolman, on Feb. 9 in Kanawha Circuit Court.
The West Virginia companies named as defendants are Allied Chemical Corporation, American Optical Corp., Chevron U.S.A., Durametallic Corporation, Foseco Inc., General Electric Company, Industrial Holdings L.L.C. formerly known as Carborundum Company, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, Union Carbide Chemical and Plastics Company Inc., Vimasco Corporation, Honeywell International, Graybar Electric Company, McJunkin Corporation, Nitro Industrial Coverings Inc., Ohio Valley Insulating Company and Union Boiler Company.
The suit claims Tolman worked around asbestos and asbestos containing-products, such as insulation, and as a result developed a severe asbestos-related disease.
The suit claims the defendants were negligent because they knew the products and materials contained asbestos, which would cause serious lung diseases and cancer, yet did not warn Tolman of the safety precautions he should have taken.
Because of the negligence, Tolman developed a severe asbestos-related disease and suffered great medical and pharmaceutical expenses, pain and loss of enjoyment of life.
In the 12-count suit, Joyce Tolman claims wrongful death and deliberate intent.
Cindy Kiblinger is representing Joyce Tolman, who seeks compensation for the damages her husband suffered, as well as punitive damages.
A visiting judge has been assigned the case.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-277
Widow sues 46 companies for husband's asbestos-related death
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