DuPont, Carbide others named in asbestos suit

CHARLESTON - A West Virginia man filed an asbestos lawsuit against 42 companies, including three local corporations where he worked, claiming the companies are responsible for exposing him to life-threatening asbestos.

Charles Edward McLane filed a suit Feb. 1 in Kanawha Circuit Court against the companies, which include DuPont, Union Carbide and Goodrich Corporation.

McLane claims he breathed asbestos and other harmful dusts created by the use of the products, which caused injury to his lungs, respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

The suit specifically mentions Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, also known as 3M, a company who formerly manufactured and marketed asbestos-containing products and dust masks. McLane claims he was led to believe the masks would protect him from harmful dusts, fumes and other harmful products.

However, the suit says McLane suffered damages and losses because the masks did not protect him the way 3M marketed.

According to the suit, the other defendants also own McLane for his injuries because they failed to warn him of the dangers associated with exposure to the dangerous products.

In the 12-count suit McLane claims he suffered serious bodily injury, endured great pain and suffering and mental anguish and incurred lost earnings and earning capacity.

McLane seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

Attorney Cindy J. Kiblinger is representing McLane. The case will be assigned to a visiting judge.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 08-C-219