Mesothelioma Lawsuit Filed in Tyler, Texas

The husband and sons of a Tyler, Texas woman stricken with mesothelioma have filed a wrongful death lawsuit in search of a mesothelioma settlement.

Claudia Headley passed from the disease on May 30, 2008. Her husband Robert and sons Scott and Steven filed the suit against Shell Energy North America (US) LP, Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Exxon Mobile Corp. and Alon USA, as successor in interest to Cosden Petroleum, on May 28, 2010 in the Tyler Division of the Eastern District of Texas.

Mesothelioma is a very rare and aggressive cancer that is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos. The disease can take 15-40 years to develop, often starting in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). The average life expectancy following a diagnosis averages around one year.

Mrs. Headley is a victim of what is commonly referred to as secondary asbestos exposure resulting from the asbestos fibers brought home by her family’s work clothing. Her father, husband, and son were employed at various oil refineries in Texas. It is believed that Claudia Headley was exposed because she would check the pockets and wash her family’s clothing which were coated with asbestos dust from work.

The nature of secondary exposure illustrates the dangers associated with asbestos. Mrs. Headley never worked directly with asbestos products yet died from the toxic fibers her family unknowingly transported home. Because many of the asbestos manufacturers were aware of the potential hazards of their product yet hid the information from the public, the area of mesothelioma law has evolved to help compensate victims.

The Headleys are seeking wrongful death damages for pecuniary loss, termination of the husband-wife relationship, mental anguish, loss of household services, termination of the parent-child relationship, necessary medical, funeral and burial expenses, exemplary damages, interest and court costs. Read the full article here.