amily names 28 defendants in asbestos mesothelioma case

Phillip Graf suffered emotional and physical pain before dying of mesothelioma, an asbestos related disease.

Graf’s asbestos case is set to start jury trial Monday, June 21 at New Orleans Parish Civil District Courthouse in Louisiana.

Beatrice, Doryk and Paulette Graf are suing on behalf of Phillip, and have named 29 defendants in the case. Benjamin Moore & Co. is listed as the lead defendant.

Phillip Graf was exposed to asbestos over a period of 30 years, while working several jobs in metal works, as well as drywall, reports the Louisiana Record.

Phillip’s extended period of exposure to the toxic material placed him at risk for contracting the asbestos related disease known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma doctors are unable to detect the disease in patients early on, and so, those exposed are left unaware of their disease for several decades. Unfortunately, mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, so some patients may be misdiagnosed.

Mickey Landry, New Orleans attorney, filed the original petition for damages on March 12, 2008, following Phillip’s death. Attorneys Frank Swarr, David Canella and Jessica Dean are also representing the plaintiffs.

Metropolitan Life, just one of the 28 subsequent defendants named in the case, is, as the suit claims, liable because it: "Aided and abetted the negligence and the marketing of unreasonably dangerous asbestos containing products by such manufactures.” Such alleged negligence is what lead to Phillip’s death.

The remaining defendants named in the case are allegedly liable because they designed, manufactured, packaged, transported and sold asbestos products, which, inevitably led to Phillip’s direct exposure with the material.