Irma Lee LaGrange was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and died of the rare asbestos-related disease in July 2023 at the age of 91. Following her diagnosis, she and her family members filed suit against a long list of asbestos companies and their insurers, accusing them of negligence in having exposed her to the carcinogenic material that caused her illness.
Mesothelioma Blamed on Asbestos from Husband’s Shipyard Work
Mrs. LaGrange’s lawsuit blames her mesothelioma on secondary asbestos exposure she experienced while laundering her husband Allen C. LaGrange’s work clothes. Mr. LaGrange had worked as a laborer, welder, and pipefitter at Avondale Shipyard’s Bridge City, Louisiana shipyard from 1973 until 1996. His work led to his clothes being covered in asbestos dust, and Mrs. LaGrange then laundered them each night. Breathing in this toxic dust is what was blamed for her illness.
Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related disease. Where occupational exposure and environmental exposure are considered primary, breathing in the dust carried on another’s hair, skin, clothing, or other type of transport is referred to as secondary. Among the defendants named in Mrs. LaGrange’s mesothelioma lawsuit were Huntington Ingalls, Inc. and Hopeman Brothers, both companies argued that they should be dismissed from the case because their work was connected to contracts they held with the U.S. government.
Shipyards Seek Dismissal of Mesothelioma Claim Under Federal Officer’s Defense
The shipyards requested dismissal from Mrs. LaGrange’s mesothelioma lawsuit, arguing that because they were government contractors, they were entitled to immunity from litigation. The court considered the arguments from both the plaintiff and the defense as to whether they should be excused from the lawsuit and ruled that the companies were not eligible to use the Government Contractor Defense. However, the judge agreed with the companies that the case should remain under its jurisdiction rather than return to state court.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help you get the justice and resources you need. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
