Widows sue CSX for husbands' asbestos-related deaths

CHARLESTON -- Two widows are suing CSX Transportation Inc. after the deaths of their husbands, claiming both men were exposed to asbestos-related materials.

Nellie Gray Templeton and Ruth Testa filed separate lawsuits claiming their husbands were exposed to asbestos dust, fibers, silica sand, silica dust, coal and/or coal dust, according to the complaints filed Nov. 12 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

The Templeton suit says Carroll Templeton was employed at CSX from 1943 until 1982. His widow claims during her husband's career he was exposed to asbestos dust, fibers, silica sand, silica dust, coal and/or coal dust. He died as a result of asbestos-causes diseases and/or injuries.

The Testa suit says Benny J. Testa was employed at CSX from 1938 until 1953. His widow claims during her husband's career he was exposed to asbestos dust, fibers, silica sand, silica dust, coal and/or coal dust. He died as a result of asbestos-causes diseases and/or injuries.

Both women seek judgment against CSX Transportation in the amount of $1.5 million.

Both widows are represented by attorneys James F. Humphreys, James A. McKowen and Willard J. Moody

Kanawha Circuit Court case numbers: 09-C-2114 and 09-C-2115