Asbestos litigation dates exposure to over 30 years ago

NEW ORLEANS – A man is suing his former employer for exposure to asbestos that he says resulted in his diagnosis of mesothelioma 30 years after his period of employment.

Harold P. Guarino filed suit on Dec. 8 in Orleans Parish Civil District Court against Avondale Shipyards, its executives and about a dozen other defendants including miners, manufacturers, sellers, users, distributors and/or suppliers of asbestos

Guarino claims he was exposed to asbestos and subsequently developed mesothelioma due to negligence by the defendants. The case states the plaintiff was exposed to hazardous levels of asbestos while working for Avondale Shipyards as tacker during two periods of employment, from 1969-70 and 1972-1980.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiff says he was exposed to asbestos or asbestos-coated products where he breathed hazardous levels of airborne asbestos fibers.

The defendants are charged with negligence for continuously exposing the plaintiff to asbestos without proper safeguards and an indifference to rights, safety and welfare of plaintiff.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought to cover medical costs, lost earnings, mental suffering and anguish, pain and suffering, physical pain and suffering and loss of quality of life.

The suit was filed on behalf of Guarino by Frank J. Swarr of New Orleans-based Landry and Swarr.

Case number 2011-12740 has been assigned to Division G Judge Robin M. Giarrusso.