Couple names 65 companies in asbestos suit

CHARLESTON - A West Virginia man has filed a lawsuit against 65 businesses, claiming they are to blame for his asbestosis after working years around their asbestos-laden products.

Mayford Lee Sigman and his wife, Betty, filed a suit Nov. 8 in Kanawha Circuit Court against the defendants, all of which are licensed or registered to do business in West Virginia.

Sigman worked for Monsanto Company, where he was exposed to asbestos and asbestos-containing products. He claims that because of his exposure, he developed asbestosis.

According to the suit, the defendants are negligent and should have known of the dangers of the asbestos. The suit also states that the defendants should have provided employees, including Sigman with safe and sufficient apparel and safety equipment.

In the 13-count suit, Sigman claims he has suffered damages, including medical and pharmaceutical expenses, travel expenses, great pain of body and mind, immense suffering, embarrassment, inconvenience, loss of earning capacity and loss of quality and enjoyment of his life.

Betty Sigman claims she has lost the general services, companionship and society, as well as the financial support of her husband.

Together, through attorney James C. Stebbins, Mayford and Betty Sigman seek compensatory and punitive damages. The case will be assigned to a visiting judge.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-2422