Pt. Pleasant man says he was exposed to asbestos on boat

HUNTINGTON -- A Point Pleasant man has filed suit against his employer, alleging he was exposed to asbestos fibers while at work on a boat.

Martin Randall Woodall Jr. claims he worked on the M/V Leila Shearer, owned by defendant Campbell Transportation Company, in December 2008 when he learned that the vessel had temporarily been taken out of service for asbestos abatement.

Prior to and after learning of the asbestos abatement, Woodall suffered from lung dysfunction, according to the complaint filed Feb. 24 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. He blames his lung dysfunction and other problems on the asbestos fibers to which he was exposed.

For example, Woodall claims he became sick, sore, lame and disordered; lost wages and his earning capacity; experienced pain and suffering; incurred substantial medical costs; and sustained disability because of his exposure.

He alleges unseaworthiness, negligence and maintenance and cure against Campbell Transportation Company.

Woodall is seeking compensatory damages, plus attorneys' fees and other costs.

Matthew L. Clark of Kayser, Layne and Clark in Point Pleasant will be representing him.

U.S. District Court case number: 3:10-cv-182