Nicholas woman files asbestos suit for late husband

CHARLESTON - A Nicholas County woman has filed an asbestos suit against 50 companies, on behalf of her husband, who died of malignant mesothelioma.

Betty Bailes filed the suit April 15 in Kanawha Circuit Court on behalf of her husband, George Bailes.

According to the suit, George Bailes lived in Nicholas County, but worked in Kanawha County, where he was exposed to asbestos. Due to his exposure, he was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, which ultimately resulted in his death.

The suit states the companies knew about the dangers of asbestos but failed to warn their employees or take the proper safety precautions to prevent workers from being exposed to the asbestos.

The suit specifically names Union Carbide Corporation and T.H. Agriculture and Nutrition as defendants.

In the nine-count suit, Betty Bailes seeks compensatory and exemplary damages.

Attorney James M. Barber is representing Bailes. The case will be assigned to a visiting judge.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-736