Family files suit on behalf of deceased man who was exposed to asbestos

NEW ORLEANS – After a former paper company worker allegedly developed asbestos-related lung cancer and passed away, his family has filed a suit on his behalf to recoup damages.

Barbara VanCoevering, Paul VanCoevering, David VanCoevering and Keri VanCoevering Hindmen filed suit against Eagle Inc., Anco Insulations Inc., The McCarty Corporation, Reilly-Benton Company Inc., Reilly-Benton Holding Inc. and Taylor-Seidenbach Inc., in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on July 7.

The plaintiffs claim VanCoevering was exposed to injurious levels of asbestos while working for International Paper Company from 1964 until 1979. The plaintiffs claim the decedent used, handled, or was in the vicinity of others using asbestos or asbestos-containing products during his employment, which directly caused him to develop lung cancer.  The plaintiffs claim that each of the defendants knew or should have known of the inherent health hazards of handling asbestos-containing products that the defendants produced. The plaintiffs claim the decedent did not have any reason to believe that asbestos was dangerous while performing his work duties and his exposure would have been prevented with adequate notice from the defendants.

The defendant is accused of negligence in the sale and supply of asbestos-containing products, failure to warn of the inherent dangers in handling asbestos-containing products, misrepresentation of the dangers involved in handling asbestos-containing products, having knowledge or constructive knowledge that handling the asbestos-containing products would cause injuries to the decedent.

The plaintiffs are seeking an unknown amount in damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, mental suffering, anguish, physical pain and suffering, loss of quality of life and disability.

The Vancoeverings are represented by Mickey P. Landry from the firm of Landry, Swarr & Cannella L.L.C. in New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division M Judge Paulette R. Irons.

Case no. 2014-06580.