In the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City there was a major problem with dust which would blow out of air vents following workmen removing asbestos lined pipes to replace them with new ones. As they sawed through the old pipes, asbestos dust flew everywhere and at that time, 1983 and 1984, no precautions were taken to protect the staff who working in offices where the dust lay everywhere.
In 2010, courthouse employee 56 year old Nancy Lopez died of mesothelioma and her heirs won a $10.4 million settlement from the county as well the firm that carried out the pipe replacement work, Kansas City based U.S. Engineering Co.
The question now is should others who have not yet shown any symptoms of the disease also be entitled to damages which could provide them with free medical testing to enable mesothelioma to be spotted early with a greater chance of a cure?
The current class action is looking for over $40 million for a fund to provide those who worked in the courthouse or who served on the jury there, which will enable them to be monitored.
The Missouri Supreme Court in 2007 allows groups exposed to toxic substances to be compensated for x rays and basic tests but this new suit seeks unspecified punitive damages that could boost the final total by millions more and could set a precedent.
If you have been diagnosed with any an asbestos related disease, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. To find out how we can help you recover for your asbestos related claim, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP at (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.
