One couple, two men file asbestos cases

CHARLESTON -- One couple and two men have filed three separate asbestos lawsuits.

Jerome Hensley named 52 companies in his complaint, which was filed Nov. 13 in Kanawha Circuit Court. Arnold Glenn Treadaway named 45 companies in his Nov. 23 complaint, and Charles Benjamin Oxley and Louise Oxley named 58 companies in their Nov. 23 complaint.

Hensley, Treadaway and Mr. Oxley claim they were exposed to asbestos products of the defendants while working at various job sites over many years.

Hensley and Treadaway were diagnosed Oct. 16 with mesothelioma. They both claim to have smoked one pack per day; Hensley from 1986 to 2004 and Treadaway smoked from 1944 to 1970. Mr. Oxley claims he never smoked.

According to the suits, the defendants are being sued for negligence, contaminated buildings, breach of expressed/implied warranty, strict liability, intentional tort, conspiracy, misrepresentations and post-sale duty to warn.

Hensley, Treadaway and the Oxleys are suing for trials by jury to resolve all issues concerning their asbestos-related cases. They are being represented by Cindy J. Kiblinger of James F. Humphreys & Associates, and Victoria Antion of Motley Rice. Treadaway is also being represented by James A. McKowen, also from James F. Humphreys & Associates.

The cases have been assigned to a visiting judge.

Kanawha Circuit Court case numbers: 09-C-2123, 09-C-2178, 09-C-2179