Workers Sue Government Over Asbestos Exposure

Six cleanup workers who claim they were unknowingly exposed to asbestos while working at a Knoxville facility have brought an asbestos lawsuit against the government contractors who hired them.

Christopher Todd Upton, Leslie Darnell Jones, Jeffery Lynn Keylon, Paul Steven Vance, James David Parten and Timothy Edward Robbins were all hired in 2000-2001 to help with the cleanup operation at the K-25 plant owned by the U.S. Department of Energy. The workers were hired through R&R Electric Corp. to help with the demolition of "synchronous condensers."

Not only were the workers assured that the condensers did not contain any dangerous chemicals or products such as asbestos, they also had their requests for protective equipment and respirators denied by other contractor teams on the site. However, they claim in their lawsuit that it quickly became apparent that asbestos was present on the site once they began using chop saws to cut the condensers.

"The chop saws created thick clouds of fine dust and debris, which completely coated Plaintiffs' bodies and clothing every day, and which they breathed continuously," the lawsuit states, according to Knox News.

Furthermore, coils that were burned as part of the demolition process were believed to be wrapped in asbestos insulation. Department of Energy manuals later confirmed that asbestos was indeed present in the condensers.

The asbestos lawsuit filed by the workers seeks unspecified compensation for causing in increased risk of cancer and other diseases as well as pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and become sick, there may be legal options available to you. Call Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation regarding an asbestos lawsuit. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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