A young woman diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer has filed a personal injury lawsuit against West Virginia University Hospitals, Inc. and Metropolitan Life Insurance. Her claim asserts that she was exposed to legacy asbestos during her years as a nursing student and accuses the organizations of negligence and asbestos misrepresentation.
Woman Diagnosed with Lung Cancer Blames Asbestos in Hospitals
Though malignant mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer are generally diagnosed in older men whose illnesses follow years of occupational exposure to the toxic mineral, a rising number of lawsuits are being filed by those who blame their illness on legacy asbestos hidden in buildings constructed years before asbestos was identified as carcinogenic.
In the current case filed in Kanawha County, West Virginia, Donna R. Spurling blames her asbestos-related lung cancer on asbestos in the buildings she frequented while attending Fairmont State University’s nursing program between 1998 and 2004. She lists Mon General Hospital, Chestnut Ridge Center, Fairmont Regional Medical Center, and United Hospital Center. She further claims that the named defendants all knew of the dangers of asbestos but withheld that information from her and that top management officials at each of the worksites rejected suggestions that they issue warnings about the presence of asbestos in their buildings.
Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuit Accuses Hospital of Putting Profits Over People
The asbestos lung cancer lawsuit asserts that the hospitals’ failure to provide notice of the asbestos hazard may have been motivated by the “possibility of adverse effects on profits and negative public opinion, citing “even after they knew of the dangers and cancer-causing effects, and up until the present time.” The claim references the severe physical pain that the victim now suffers and seeks compensatory and punitive damages. It is expected that the case will be heard in January 2025.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, the first step is identifying where your exposure to asbestos came from. The Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help with this and other challenges. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
