Kentucky couple sues 51 companies in asbestos suit

CHARLESTON - A Kentucky couple has filed an asbestos suit in West Virginia against 51 companies, including 14 in the Mountain State.

Roger and Sally Broughton of Ashland, Ky., filed a suit Aug. 17 in Kanawha Circuit Court through Charleston attorney Samuel Elswick.

According to the suit, Roger Broughton was exposed to asbestos dust while working as a locomotive repairman for Armco Steel, from 1958 to 1997. Broughton claims the asbestos exposure caused him to contract lung cancer.

Broughton claims he has suffered medical expenses, great pain of body and mind, embarrassment, inconvenience and loss of quality and enjoyment of life.

The suit claims the defendants knew their employees would inhale large amounts of asbestos dust and fibers at the work place, yet did not warn their workers.

In the nine-count suit, Roger Broughton seeks punitive and compensatory damages. Sally Broughton also claims she has lost the financial support of her husband, as well as his services, companionship and society.

Together, they seek compensatory damages, as well as punitive damages in an unspecified amount, awarded by a jury.

The case will be assigned to a visiting judge.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-1738