45 companies named in asbestos, personal injury suit

CHARLESTON - An asbestos and personal injury lawsuit was filed against 45 companies on behalf of a man who died from asbestos exposure, the executrix his estate claims.

Patricia Paith filed a suit April 30 in Kanawha Circuit Court on behalf of the estate of Melvin Cunningham Sr.

According to the suit, Cunningham, a resident of McMechen, died from mesothelioma, which he contracted while on the job, after exposure to asbestos-containing products.

Cunningham was exposed to asbestos between 1966 and 1993, while employed by American Electric Power, Ohio Power Company and West Penn Power Company.

Paith seeks compensatory and punitive damages for Cunningham's estate. Angela Cunningham, the widow of Melvin Cunningham, is also named as a plaintiff in the case.

Attorney David B. Richardson is representing Paith. The case will be assigned to a visiting judge.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-852