The family of a deceased Texas petroleum worker recently filed a mesothelioma cancer lawsuit against the victim's employer, Phillips 66, over allegations that the company knew about dangerous working conditions, including asbestos exposure, but did nothing to warn employees. The plaintiffs' lawsuit asks the court to award exemplary damages (sometimes referred to as punitive damages) for what they deem to be especially egregious behavior on the part of the defendant.
According to the asbestos cancer lawsuit, filed in Jefferson County District Court, the deceased worked from 1955 to 1979 for Phillips Petroleum at the company's Bogner facility as an insulator, during which time he was exposed to asbestos. As a result of the exposure to asbestos, the victim developed mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer that commonly affects the body's vital organs like the heart, lungs, and abdomen. In January 2017, the victim passed away due to his condition, which the lawsuit alleges was a painful experience.
The plaintiffs claim that Phillips Petroleum was well aware of the dangers employees faced while working with asbestos and other carcinogens but did not put in place reasonable safety measures to prevent foreseeable health consequences or warning employees about the risks. This indifference to worker safety was tantamount to an act of malice, and Phillips Petroleum should therefore be subject to severe punishment, according to the plaintiffs.
Industrial Jobs and Risk of Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once used in a variety of industrial, commercial, and military applications for its heat-resistant properties and ability to be formed into almost any shape to meet the appropriate application. Unfortunately, the widespread use of asbestos in insulation, pipe fitting, and gasket making exposed tens of thousands of innocent men and women to the very real dangers of developing mesothelioma.
Although use of asbestos has been heavily regulated by the federal government since the mid-1970s, companies had known for decades about the serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure but did nothing to warn employees or consumers. Now, decades later, thousands of people receive a mesothelioma diagnosis each year, which is directly linked to the exposure they endured in years past.
While nothing can undo the harm of a mesothelioma cancer diagnosis, filing a lawsuit can help recover much needed compensation for vital medical care and lost wages incurred while battling the disease. Furthermore, an asbestos cancer lawsuit can hold wrongdoers accountable for creating their harmful products and knowingly exposing the public to a known carcinogen just for the sake of turning a profit and increasing a company's bottom line.
Arizona Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.
