Losing a loved one can be a very difficult part of a Louisianan’s life. Losing a loved one in a situation that could have been avoided is even more painful. For one Louisiana woman, life will never be the same now that her husband passed away. The woman believes that his former employers are responsible for his tragic death.
The woman has now filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Clemco Industries, Corp., Mississippi Valley Silica, Co., Lamorak Insurance Co. and Chevron USA, Inc., all of which are known or formerly known by different names. The complaint alleges that her husband worked as a sandblaster and paint sprayer for Clemco from 1962 to 1972.
The man’s employers allegedly exposed him to asbestos as he worked. The lawsuit alleges that the companies’ defective equipment design and materials caused him to develop cancer in his connective tissues. He passed away last year at the age of 70.
If the woman wins her lawsuit, she could be awarded damages that cover lost wages from the deceased, funeral expenses and lost companionship. She will need to prove that there was a death caused by another’s negligence, and she suffered monetary injury as a result of the death.
Surviving spouses, immediate family members and the children of the deceased are all typically permitted to file wrongful death lawsuits. Nonetheless, the lawsuit is technically brought by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate. Unfortunately, nothing will bring the deceased back to life. Being financially stable after a tragedy, but can help families deal with the loss.
Source: The Louisiana Record, “Widow brings wrongful death suit against Clemco, Chevron for alleged asbestos exposure,” Robert Hadley, Jan. 27, 2016
