Woman sues CSX for father's lung cancer, wrongful death

CHARLESTON -- A woman is suing CSX Transportation after she claims they were responsible for her father's lung cancer and death.

On May 31, 2009, Charles William Riggleman died of lung cancer, according to a complaint filed Nov. 3 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Christa J. Pearce-Braithwaite, Riggleman's daughter, claims her father was an employee of the railroad and contracted occupational diseases within the scope of that employment.

Riggleman was required to work with and near toxic and harmful dust, including asbestos and materials containing asbestos, fumes and other products, according to the suit.

Pearce-Braithwaite claims CSX failed to provide her father with a reasonable safe work place or furnish him with safe and suitable tools and equipment.

As a result of CSX's negligence, Riggleman contracted lung cancer and died, according to the suit.

Pearce-Braithwaite is seeking compensatory damages. She is being represented by James A. McKowen and David P. Pavlik

The case has been assigned to a visiting judge.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 10-C-1965