Kentucky woman diagnosed with mesothelioma names 144 defendants in case

After being diagnosed with mesothelioma, Joni L. Johnson, a Lexington, Kentucky resident, has named 144 defendants in her asbestos-related case.

Johnson was diagnosed with the disease on February 23rd, and filed a complaint in Kanawha Circuit Court on May 17th.

Asbestos is a fire retardant material which exists in many older buildings. The material can be found in flooring, drywall, roofing and a slew of other construction materials. When disturbed, the toxic particles are released in the air–creating a dangerous environment for workers, especially those who failed to receive a warning concerning their work.

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer which most commonly affects the pleura–the membrane which protects the body’s lung cavity. Symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain lie dormant for several decades, making mesothelioma difficult to diagnose.

Mesothelioma doctors constantly search for improved screening methods in order to earlier detect the disease in patients.

Johnson claims her father was employed by the defendants, as a pipefitter, from 1948 until 1976.

According to the suit, the defendants are being sued for negligence, intentional tort, conspiracy, strict liability and contaminated buildings.

Johnson claims she is a nonsmoker, and that her mesothelioma wasn’t a result of smoking. The asbestos related case has been assigned to a visiting judge.