Kanawha man names 26 companies in asbestos suit

CHARLESTON - A Kanawha County man has filed a suit against 26 companies, claiming their negligence caused him to be exposed to asbestos, which contributed to his development of mesothelioma.

Gordon R. Conley filed a suit Nov. 1 in Kanawha Circuit Court against 26 national and local companies, in particular Union Carbide Corporation, where he worked from 1948 to 1985.

Attorney William K. Schwartz, who is representing Conley, is seeking punitive and compensatory damages, claiming the companies were negligent in manufacturing, assembling, supplying and distributing their products.

Conley worked as an electrician and chief operator at Union Carbide facilities in South Charleston and Institute. During that time he worked in areas where workers handled asbestos-containing materials and products.

The suit claims that the companies knew their products contained asbestos, which was dangerous to the workers, but did not provide proper safety training and equipment, as well as provide knowledge of the dangers of asbestos.

In the 12-count suit, Conley and his wife seek punitive and compensatory damages.

A visiting judge will be assigned to the case.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-2373