Widow names 56 companies in asbestos suit

CHARLESTON - The widow of a West Virginia man who died from mesothelioma has filed an asbestos lawsuit against 56 companies, claiming each had a role in her husband's death.

Barbara Brewster filed a suit Dec. 7 in Kanawha Circuit Court on behalf of the estate of her husband, Jack Donsell Brewster Sr. The suit specifically mentions Guyan International Inc., where Jack Brewster worked from 1953 to 1987.

According to the suit, Brewster worked in close proximity to others working with and using asbestos and asbestos-containing products.

"The defendants did manufacture, supply, sell or install asbestos and asbestos-containing products with which the decedent came in daily contact with aforementioned, as a result of which, the decedent contracted and suffered from mesothelioma," the suit says.

Brewster was diagnosed with the asbestos-related disease mesothelioma. He died Dec. 10, 2005. According to the suit, prior to death he suffered severe physical pain, mental anguish, worry, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of income and medical expenses.

Barbara Brewster claims she has loss the consortium, guidance, kindly office, support and services of her husband.

She seeks compensatory and punitive damages for her husband's estate and for the damages she has suffered.

Attorney John E. Sutter is representing Brewster. The case will be assigned to a visiting judge.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-2627