GRETNA – The widow of a former shipyard employee who died of mesothelioma is suing numerous companies she claims are at fault for his exposure to asbestos.
Janet Wusthoff, on behalf of Charles W. Wusthoff, filed suit against Huntington Ingalls Inc., Northrop Grumman Ship Systems Inc., Avondale Industries Inc., Reilly Benton Co Inc., Taylor-Seidenbach Inc., Mccarty Corporation, Eagle Inc., Eagle Asbestos And Packing Co Inc., Onebeacon America Insurance Company, Onebeacon Insurance Company and Commercial Union Insurance Company in the 24th Judicial District Court on April 17.
Janet Wusthoff alleges that after her husband Charles died on July 24, 2013 it was found that the direct cause of his death was due to asbestos exposure. The plaintiff asserts that her husband was employed as a boiler-room painter by the shipyard at Avondale Industries Inc. located at 5100 River Road in Avondale in the early 1970s where he was allegedly exposed to asbestos and asbestos containing products in poorly ventilated quarters without being provided respiratory or other safety equipment.
Wusthoff claims the exposure during her husband’s employment resulted in his contraction of lung cancer and eventual death.
The defendant is accused of wrongful death, general negligence and strict liability.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for physical pain and suffering, medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, loss of quality of life, disfigurement, financial loss, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of love, loss of affection and loss of society.
Wusthoff is represented by Mickey P. Landry of New Orleans-based Landry & Swarr LLC.
The case has been assigned to Division C Judge June Berry Darensburg.
Case no. 737-583.