Malignant mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, a substance that was widely used in manufacturing, construction, and insulation up until the mid-1970s, when its carcinogenic nature was confirmed. Many of those diagnosed with the rare and fatal form of cancer experienced multiple episodes of exposure as a result of their occupations or because they served in the military, but the source was often the same. Such was the case in a recent lawsuit filed against General Electric.
Mesothelioma Followed Exposure to Asbestos in Both Military and Civilian Life
Arnold Pritt was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in September of 2019. He and his wife filed legal claims against General Electric for negligently exposing him to the toxic material during two distinct times in his life: during the years he served in the Navy and when he worked as a civilian electrician.
General Electric responded to the mesothelioma lawsuit by filing a motion to bar Mr. Pritt’s expert witnesses and to dismiss all of Mr. Pritt’s claims. They contended that they had not manufactured the equipment he was exposed to onboard the ship and that the work he did as an electrician would not have generated enough asbestos dust to have sickened him.
Judge Allows Civilian Exposure Case to Proceed
In reviewing the evidence submitted by both the manufacturer and the mesothelioma victim, District Judge Katherine Polk Failla of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York agreed to part, but not all, of General Electric’s motion for summary judgment. She dismissed Mr. Pritt’s claim regarding his naval exposure, agreeing that the equipment in question had been manufactured by Westinghouse rather than by GE, but she permitted the civilian exposure portion case against GE to move forward.
In her decision, the judge noted that Mr. Pritt’s expert witness had testified that his “hands-on activity” would lead to asbestos releases “above background.” Because of this and other evidence, there are genuine disputes of material facts that need to be decided by a jury.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, tracking the source of your exposure to asbestos is just one way that the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
