Charleston couple sues 72 companies for lung cancer diagnosis

CHARLESTON -- A Charleston couple is suing 72 companies they claim are responsible for a lung cancer diagnosis.

On Jan. 26, Doug Hughart was diagnosed with lung cancer, according to a complaint filed May 11 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Hughart claims the defendants are responsible for his lung cancer because they allowed him to be exposed to asbestos and/or asbestos products during his employment.

The defendants failed to advise Hughart of the dangerous characteristics of the asbestos and asbestos-related products; failed to provide Hughart with the knowledge as to what would be reasonably safe and sufficient wearing apparel and proper protective equipment and appliance; and failed to place any warnings on the products, according to the suit.

Hughart and Drema Hughart are seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. They are being represented by Brian A. Prim.

The case has been assigned to a visiting judge.

The 72 defendants named in the suit are Ajax Magnethermic Corporation; Allied Glove Corporation; American Biltrite and Its Division Amtico; American Cast Iron Pipe Company; American Water Resources, Inc.; American Water Works Service Company, Inc.; Armstrong International, Inc.; Armstrong Pumps, Inc.; Aqua-Chem, Inc.; Atlas Industries, Inc.; Beazer East, Inc.; Brand Insulations, Inc.; Cashco, Inc.; Catalytic Construction Company; CBS Corporation; Certainteed Corporation; Champlain Cable Corporation; Clow Valve Company; CNH America, LLC; Crane Co.; Deere & Company, Inc.; Dezurik, Inc.; Durametallic Corporation; Eaton Corporation; F.B. Wright Company; Fairmont Supply; Flowserve U.S., Inc.; FMC Corporation; Foster Wheeler Corporation; General Electric Company; Genuine Parts Company; George V. Hamilton, Inc.; Georgia Pacific Corporation; Goulds Pumps, Inc.; Greene Tweed & Company; Grinnell Corporation; Honeywell, Inc.; Honeywell International, Inc.; I.U. North America, Inc.; IMO Industries, Inc.; Industrial Holdings Corporation; Ingersoll-Rand; ITT Corporation; Joy Technologies; Kaiser Gypsum Company, Inc.; M.S. Jacobs & Associates, Inc.; Marley Cooling Tower; McJunkin Red Man Corporation; McWane, Inc.; Metropolitan Life Insurance Company; Milwaukee Valve Company; Mine Safety Appliance Company; Nagle Pumps, Inc.; Navistar International Corporation; Nitro Industrial Coverings, Inc.; Ohio Valley Insulating Company; Pharmacia Corporation; Pneumo Abex, LLC; Riley Stoker Corporation; Safety First Industries, Inc.; Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc.; Sealite, Inc.; Stockham Valves & Fittings; Square D Company; Tasco Insulation, Inc.; UB West Virginia, Inc.; Union Carbide Corporation and its Linde Division; Vimasco Corporation; West Virginia-American Water Company; WMX Technologies, Inc., and its Subsidiary, Brand Insulation, A/K/A Brand Insulation; Yarway Corporation; and Zurn Industries, Inc.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 11-C-767