Former shipyard worker files suit against numerous companies over mesothelioma lung cancer

NEW ORLEANS – A freight and cargo handler in the Port of New Orleans between approximately 1950 and the early 1960s has filed suit against numerous companies for their interactions with asbestos.

Leroy Henry filed suit against Cooper/T. Smith Stevedoring Company Inc, Ports America Gulfport Inc, James J. Flanagan Shipping Corporation, Dixie Machine Welding & Metal Works Inc., Eagle Inc, Sane Inc., Crowley Marine Services Inc., SSA Gulf Terminals Inc., International Shipholding Corp., Hartford Accident and Indemnity Co., Certain Underwriters of Lloyd’s London, Illinois Central Railroad Co., Kansas City Southern Railway Co., Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Co., Union Pacific Railroad Co., CSX Transportation Inc., Need Kearney & Co. Inc., Industrial Development Corp. of South Africa Ltd., South African Marine Corp Ltd., Maloney Carloading Inc. and Asbestos Corporation Ltd. in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on June 2.

The plaintiff claims he was exposed to asbestos fibers and asbestos-containing products while working aboard vessels in the Port of New Orleans. The plaintiff asserts that he did not know of the inherent dangers of working with or being around the asbestos, and that he was never told of any dangers. The plaintiff claims the defendants negligently and knowingly hired him to work with asbestos-containing products on a daily basis. Further, the plaintiff claims it was the defendant’s responsibility to provide him with a safe work environment, but they failed to carry out this duty.

The defendants are accused of failing to reveal and knowingly concealing the inherent dangers of handling asbestos cargos and interaction with asbestos-containing products, failing to provide protection to employees, distribution of unreasonably dangerous asbestos-containing products and failing to warn employees of the risks associated with direct and bystander exposure to asbestos.

The plaintiff is seeking an unknown amount in damages for physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and physical disability.

Leroy Henry is represented by Scott R. Bickford T.A. from the firm of Martzell & Bickford in New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division G Judge Robin M. Giarrusso.

Case no. 2014-05412.