CHARLESTON - A Boone County man has filed an asbestos lawsuit against 46 companies, claiming they in some way caused his lung cancer and deterioration of life.
James Paul Downs filed a suit Jan. 16 in Kanawha Circuit Court against the companies, which include Ashland Oil, Inc and DuPont, which are two that directly employed Downs.
Attorney Cindy Kilblinger is representing Downs, who filed the case with his wife, Ruth M. Downs.
According to the suit, James Downs was exposed to asbestos and other harmful dusts while working. He claims the companies in the suit manufactured, supplied, sold, distributed, used or installed the asbestos-contained products.
While handling the products, Downs claims he breathed asbestos and other harmful dusts, which caused his lung cancer.
Downs claims that along with lung cancer, he suffered great pain of body and mind, suffering, distress, fear, embarrassment, inconvenience, economic loss, including medical and pharmaceutical bills, and loss of quality of enjoyment of his life.
Ruth Downs claims she has suffered the loss of general services, companionship and society of her husband.
In the 12-count suit, James and Ruth Downs seek compensatory and punitive damages.
The case will be assigned to a visiting judge.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-108
Boone couple lists 46 defendants in asbestos case
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