CHARLESTON - A Cabell County couple has filed an asbestos lawsuit against 96 companies, claiming the wife was made ill by asbestos dust her husband brought home from work.
Attorney David Chervenick filed a suit April 19 on behalf of Betty and Jack Blackwell. The case was filed in Kanawha Circuit Court.
According to the suit, Jack Blackwell was a laborer for Laborers Local Union 1353. He worked at American Container Company, Kerr Glass and American Car Foundry.
In the suit, Betty Blackwell claims she was exposed to asbestos-containing dust from her husband, who worked around asbestos-containing products. She claims she was exposed to dust on his clothing and on his person, which he carried into the home from the jobsites.
Exposure included, but was not limited to, being in the same house, riding in the family vehicles, and being around the laundry, the suit says.
Betty Blackwell now has asbestosis and mesothelioma.
In a 15-count suit, the Blackwells claim Betty Blackwell has suffered and will continue to suffer from her illnesses. The suit also says Jack Blackwell has suffered a loss of general services, companionship and the society of his wife. The suit says Jack Blackwell has rendered nursing care and other services to his wife, and will continue to do so, if necessary, until her death.
The Blackwells seek punitive damages for their injuries against the defendants.
The case will be assigned to a visiting judge.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-774
Wife made ill by asbestos husband brought home from work, suit says
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