Wirt man names 50 companies in asbestos suit

CHARLESTON - A Wirt County man has filed an asbestos suit against 50 companies, including G.E. Plastics, after he allegedly contracted a deadly lung disease after working in an asbestos-laden area for 32 years.

Thomas P. McCue, and his wife Thelma, filed the suit March 13 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

According to the suit, McCue worked at Borg Warner, also known as G.E. Plastics, from 1959 to 1991, where he was required to work directly with asbestos blankets, asbestos rope, asbestos tape and various other asbestos–related materials. He worked as a laborer, maintenance worker and mechanic.

McCue claims he was unaware of the dangers of asbestos and did not know he had a medical condition relating to his asbestos exposure until he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, the suit says.

According to the suit, McCue knows that the manufacturing companies caused his injuries and diseases, which are permanent in nature. The suit says Borg Warner and General Electric are guilty of "statutory misconduct" in exposing McCue to asbestos-containing dust.

He claims he will incur great medical expenses for treatment, drugs and other remedial medical measures.

McCue seeks compensatory damages to cover his injuries.

Thelma McCue claims she will be required to render nursing services and care beyond what is expected of a spouse, and to take care of her husband due to his incurable and debilitating disease, the suit says.

In the 12-count suit, the McCues seek compensatory and punitive damages.

Attorney William K. Schwartz is representing the McCues. The case will be assigned to a visiting judge.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-494