Missouri Woman Sues 88 for Husband's Mesothelioma Death

By Kelly Holleran

A Missouri woman has filed an asbestos suit on behalf of her recently deceased husband against 88 defendant corporations, claiming the mesothelioma with which he was diagnosed was wrongfully caused.

Dawn Koch claims Stephen Koch was diagnosed with the disease June 13, 2007, and died Aug. 7, 2007, according to a lawsuit filed Sept. 15 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Dawn says her husband worked from 1982 until 1984 as a laborer at various locations throughout Illinois and Missouri, according to the lawsuit.

Dawn states Stephen's exposure was foreseeable and should have been anticipated by the defendants, according to the lawsuit.

She claims his disease was caused after he was exposed to and inhaled, ingested or otherwise absorbed asbestos fibers.

Dawn alleges the asbestos-related disease caused the couple to incur substantial medical costs. Stephen also experienced great physical pain and mental anguish as a result of the disease, Dawn claims in the lawsuit.

Mesothelioma hindered and prevented Stephen from pursuing his normal course of employment, according to the suit.

As a result, he lost large sums of money, Dawn claims.

Because of Stephen's death, his family has been deprived of his support and has lost his society, the suit states.

His family spent substantial amounts on funeral and burial costs, according to the complaint.
In the seven-count lawsuit, Dawn seeks sums in excess of $200,000 and compensatory damages in excess of $150,000.

She also seeks punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish the defendants for their misconduct and to deter similarly situated parties from committing like acts of misconduct in the future.

She is represented by Nicholas J. Angelides of Simmonscooper LLC in East Alton

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Asbestos mesothelioma awareness

Hurricane Ike has torn away peoples homes and ripped open many sensitive parts of buildings and houses that are laden with asbestos resulting in toxic pollution especially in buildings and homes constructed before 1980s. The places that are likely to have asbestos are roof tiles, dry walls, attic insulations, floor tiles etc. Residents returning to their homes should be extra cautious about not being interactive with asbestos as it and its particles can damage their health and lead to mesothelioma cancer.

During cleaning and repair work, chances are that home owners might inhale asbestos dust and particles that might have gotten airborne. The asbestos dust and particles can effect the lungs and lining of heart and cause mesothelioma cancer, the deadliest and rarest form of cancer that is practically incurable. Care should also be taken by the returning residents as to not to clean or drink stagnant water as asbestos dust might also have settled in the water as well.

For the protection of the health of returning residents, the Environmental Protection Agency has set certain guidelines that should be followed in order to safeguard ones health.

1. This is not a ‘do it yourself mission’. It is dangerous as people can risk their lives and the lives on their loved ones while not practicing caution around asbestos polluted environment. Professionals help should be called for and once the area is clean from asbestos contamination repairing work should be done.

2. If residents decide to work out the way through asbestos themselves, they should wear protective masks that cover their nose and mouth so as not to inhale airborne asbestos dust and particles.

3. Do not get rid of asbestos by throwing away waste cartons or material. Extra care should be taken as asbestos containing material could contaminate the surroundings. Hiring a certified professional for removal of damaged asbestos items is advised. If anyone violates the guidelines set for removal and disposal of asbestos he / she might face huge penalties or imprisonment.

4. Any asbestos contamination must be reported to the authorities immediately.
Mesothelioma or asbestos cancer is a life taking disease. Working with and around asbestos can be dangerous to ones health. Contacting a mesothelioma cancer lawyer is essential for anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer and seek guidance for claiming compensation for the injury inflicted unwillingly to ones health.


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=> Very helpful!

How to Select a Mesothelioma Attorney in New York

9/11 rescue volunteers have already contracted asbestos exposure related diseases, including mesothelioma, leukemia, and other forms of cancer। An estimated 70% of the 40,000 first responders have acquired illnesses. It is estimated another 300,000 New Yorkers will become seriously ill.

1। Find an experienced attorney।
Make sure you find an attorney who specializes in mesothelioma। A seasoned attorney who understands the various laws in New York will significantly affect the outcome of your claim.

2। Find an attorney who will offer you a free consultation.
A good law firm will give you a chance to sit down and give them the details of your case before you hire them।

3. Evaluate the attorney/client relationship up front
You need to be comfortable with your attorney। A good attorney will guide you and be sympathetic to your case.

4. Research the Law Firm
Does the law firm the attorney works for have a good reputation? Have you talked to anyone that has hired them before? Do they specialize in mesothelioma?

Seven years ago, citizens of New York City and many other places traveled from their homes to assist in the 9/11 cleanup operations। Their valiant efforts brought comfort and renewed faith to New Yorkers and Americans, in the presence, of the worst terrorism attack in our country’s history. One of those volunteers, Gregory Quibell, who had a large impact, on the events of September 11, 2001, passed away on September 3, 2008.
Quibell, a 54-year-old, who devoted a total 242 hours at Ground Zero, worked night and day transporting firefighters to and from the World Trade Center। Unfortunately, Quibell did not realize the asbestos fibers and other air toxins surrounding him were contaminating his lungs, resulting in leukemia and pulmonary fibrosis.

Congress, recently opposed legislation for additional healthcare funding for ailing 9/11 workers. It is important the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act is passed. This act will help to provide every person exposed to toxins from 9/11 has a right to be medically monitored.
Citizens in New York and the surrounding areas, during and after the 9/11 attacks, were greatly affected by the contaminated air. Knowing how to selecting a law firm specializing in Mesothelioma, an asbestos related disease, is important to our citizens.

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7-Year Mesothelioma Survivor Publishes Book

Rhio O’Conner, a 7-year survivor of mesothelioma cancer, has written a book entitled “They Said Months, I Chose Years: A Mesothelioma Survivor’s Story.” The book is published by Cancer Monthly.

O’Conner was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2001, and was given less than one year to live. Discouraged by his doctor’s advice to take a final vacation with his wife and then prepare to live his last months at home with Hospice care, O’Conner instead came up with his own aggressive treatment plan, which included taking over 100 supplements each day and meditating.

O’Conners unique message is that there are “other” ways to overcome cancer than just relying on the traditional treatment methods, such as chemotherapy or surgery.

“They Said Months, I Chose Years: A Mesothelioma Survivor’s Story” can be purchased on Amazon.com.Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.


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=> It is very beautiful to see sick people inspiring other sick people. Try to get a copy of his book.
- Jan MD