HUNTINGTON - A Kanawha County woman has filed an asbestos suit against 30 companies, claiming they are responsible for her husband's illness and subsequent death.
Eleanor Richards filed the suit April 18 in Kanawha Circuit Court on behalf of the estate of her late husband, Charles Richards.
According to the suit, Charles Richards was employed as a molder at the J.C. Hart foundry in Clarksburg, where he was allegedly exposed to the asbestos products.
As a result of the asbestos exposure, Richards developed lung cancer, the suit says.
The suit says the companies failed to provide Richards with a safe environment because their products contained asbestos.
"At all times relevant ... it was feasible for the defendants to have adequately warned Charles Richards, tested their asbestos containing products, designed safer asbestos containing products or substitute asbestos free products," the suit says.
Eleanor Richards claims her husband suffered from lung cancer and subsequent death because of the companies' negligence. She also claims she suffered sorrow, mental anguish and loss of her husband's companionship, as well as medical and funeral expenses.
Eleanor Richards seeks compensatory and punitive damages.
Attorney Victoria L. Antion is representing Richards. The case will be assigned to a visiting judge.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-756
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