Coopersburg, Pa. man files asbestos mass tort claim

An 81-year-old Pennsylvania man who alleges his mesothelioma diagnosis two months ago is directly related to his asbestos exposure is suing companies who manufacture and distribute products containing the fiber.

Bethlehem, Pa. lawyer Lamont G. McClure, of the Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos, P.C., filed the mass tort claim July 15 at the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas on behalf of Coopersburg, Pa. resident Richard J. Martz.

The lawsuit was filed as a short form complaint in the master asbestos litigation docket.

According to the complaint, Martz was employed by Air Products in Allentown, Pa. from about 1955 to 1994. He was exposed to various asbestos products while working as a machinist, the lawsuit claims.

Martz dealt in pipecovering, packing, insulation, sheet metal, gaskets, cement, rope, cranes, crane brakes, welding rods, compounds, hot tops, boilers and spray, the suit states.

On May 25 of this year, Martz learned he had mesothelioma, a condition attacking the lining of the lungs that is most often attributed to asbestos exposure.

Martz currently suffers from shortness of breath related to the disease, the lawsuit states.

A claim for lost wages is not asserted at this time, but Martz does seek compensatory and punitive damages in excess of $50,000, plus attorney’s fees and related court costs.

More than 60 defendants are named in the lawsuit. They include, but are not limited to, Cooper Industries, Crane Company, Ford Motor Company, Allied Signal, Inc. and General Electric Company.

The lawsuit also contains a conspiracy count against Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, in which the plaintiff seeks a judgment in excess of $50,000 for both compensatory and punitive damages.

A jury trial has been demanded.

The case number is 110701459.