March 8th, 2007

One hundred companies have been named as defendants in a lawsuit that was filed by a former steel worker, who is claiming compensation for injuries stemming from exposure to asbestos during the course of work. The Minnesota steel worker stated that he was exposed to the deadly substance for long periods as part of his work. Asbestos is a deadly substance that has been commonly used in the steel industry, and can lead to a range of health problems including a deadly form of cancer known as mesothelioma.

According to Edwin Brekke he was repeatedly exposed to asbestos for long periods between 1938 and 1982 when working in profession such as boiler operator, steel worker, and laborer. Brekke has now been diagnosed with the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma.

The lawsuit claims that the defendants should have been or were aware of the dangers posed by exposure to asbestos, and still allowed this exposure to continue. The complaint went on to state: “The plaintiff’s exposure and inhalation, ingestion or absorption of the asbestos fibers was completely foreseeable and could or should have been anticipated by the defendants.”

The complaint further alleges that evidence and documentation was hidden or destroyed but the defendants, and that this action could cause the plaintiff “to suffer damages in the form of impaired ability to recover against defendants and lost or reduced compensation from other potentially liable parties in this litigation.”