Couple names 36 companies in asbestos case

CHARLESTON -- A Pittsburgh, Pa., couple is suing 36 companies for exposure to asbestos fibers and dust.

James J. Fellin and Rose Marie Fellin claim the 36 defendants are responsible for Mr. Fellin's mesothelioma, according to a complaint filed March 3 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Mr. Fellin was employed as an accountant and during his employment he was exposed to and inhaled dust and asbestos fibers, according to the suit. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma on Oct. 5, 2009.

The Fellins claim the defendants failed to advise Mr. Fellin of the dangerous characteristics of the asbestos-related products; failed or omitted to place warnings on containers; did not recommend methods to improve the work environment; did not develop alternative products; and continued to use a known cancer-causing product.

The Fellins are seeking compensatory and punitive damages. They are being represented by Brian A. Prim of the Prim Law Firm.

The case has been assigned to a visiting judge.

The companies named in the suit are Allied Glove Corporation; Atlas Industries, Inc.; Caterpillar, Inc.; CBS Corporation; Crane Co.; Deere & Company, Inc.; F.B. Wright Company; Foseco, Inc.; Francis Enterprises, Inc.; Garlock, Inc.; General Electric Company; George V. Hamilton, Inc.; Goulds Pumps, Inc.; Grinnell Corporation; Honeywell International, Inc.; I.U. North America, Inc.; Industrial Holdings Corporation; Ingersoll-Rand; Insul Company, Inc.; ITT Corporation; Joy Technologies; Kentile Floors, Inc.; M.S. Jacobs & Associates, Inc.; Mallinckrodt Group, Inc.; Nitro Industrial Coverings, Inc.; Oglebay Norton Company; Owens-Illinois, Inc.; Plotkin Brothers Supply, LLP; Premier Refractories, Inc.; Safety First Industries, Inc.; Stockham Valves & Fittings; Tasco Insulation, Inc.; Treco Construction Services, Inc.; UB West Virginia, Inc.; United States Steel Corporation; and Vimasco Corporation.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 10-C-403