Attorney files 12 asbestos lawsuits

CHARLESTON - Attorney David P. Chervenick has filed 12 separate asbestos lawsuits against 131 companies, seeking punitive damages for the plaintiffs and their families.

The suits were filed individually March 28 in Kanawha Circuit Court. Each plaintiff claims they were exposed to asbestos and have suffered in some way, or are executors of estates of men who died in part because of their asbestos-related disease.

Willard and Anna Best live in Marietta, Ohio. Willard Best worked as a machine operator for Kaiser Aluminum in Ravenswood. He claims he has asbestosis and lung cancer.

Phyllis J. Canterbury is the executor of the estate of Larry G. Canterbury, deceased. He worked as a steelworker for USWA Local 40. He also worked for Union Carbide and FMC, where he was exposed to asbestos. The suit says his father, who worked at Union Carbide, also exposed him to asbestos in his childhood. Canterbury had asbestosis and lung cancer.

Linda Hickel filed the suit on behalf of Gary N. Dennewitz, who is deceased. He worked as a machinist for Union Local IAM 1027. Dennewitz had asbestosis and lung cancer.

Oscar and Genevieve Farley live in Prince, W.Va. Oscar Farley worked as a pipefitter for Union Local 5960. He has asbestosis and lung cancer.

Harrison and Sherry Fisher, of Burgettstown, Penn., filed the suit, claiming Harrison Fisher was exposed to asbestos while working as a bander at Weirton Steel. He has asbestosis and lung cancer.

George and Viola Gvoyich, of Weirton, claim George Gvoyich has asbestosis and lung cancer. He worked as a steelworker at Weirton Steel.

Coraletta Henry filed the suit on behalf of Earl. E. Henry, Jr., of New Haven. Earl Henry worked for many years at the Philip Sporn Power Plant and through the state. He had asbestosis and lung cancer.

Cecil A. and Elma Lang, of Mineral Wells, claim Cecil contracted asbestosis and lung cancer after working as a laborer for Union Local 639.

Roy J. and Patricia J. Meadows of LeSage, claim Roy Meadows has asbestosis and lung cancer. He worked as a crane operator for Union Local USWA 40.

Julius and Helen Sabatino live in Shadyside, Ohio. Julius Sabatino worked as a bricklayer for Union Local 9. He has asbestosis and lung cancer.

Karl P. and Ruth Stanley of Reader, filed the suit on behalf of Karl Stanley. Stanley worked as a welder for Union Local USWA 5724. He now has asbestosis and lung cancer.

Martha J. Taylor, administratrix for Leon Taylor, deceased, filed the suit on behalf of Taylor. He worked as a welder for Union Local USWA 1652. He had asbestosis and lung cancer.

In the 19-count suits, the plaintiffs seek punitive damages for their injuries.

The cases will be assigned to a visiting judge.

Kanawha Circuit Court cases 08-C-613 through 08-C-624