NASA Lewis Research Center | Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos Lawyers

Representing NASA workers in asbestos cancer claims

The Lyon Firm is investigating NASA Lewis Research Center asbestos exposure claims on behalf of former Cleveland, Ohio employees and contractors. NASA was known to use hazardous asbestos materials that may have caused cancer and other serious illness to those who spent time in the facilities.

Former employees of NASA’s Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio (now Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field) may have faced a heightened risk for asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. As recent as 2007, employees at the NASA Lewis Research Center contacted the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in fear that the work facilities were still lined with toxic material, and still an occupational health risk.

The NASA Lewis Research Center in Cleveland consists of approximately 150 buildings and more than 500 research and test facilities. Many of the buildings were originally built using asbestos material. Thousands of employees and contractors work at the Cleveland, Ohio location.

In the last decade, employees have expressed concern about a high incidence of cancer among employees who worked at specific buildings, known to be constructed with asbestos products. The inspection report from NIOSH indicates that former employees may have been exposed to asbestos prior to the major abatement projects that NASA commissioned long after asbestos was discovered. These employees may be at risk of developing mesothelioma or lung cancer because of exposure in the last 30 years.  

Any NASA employee at Cleveland’s Lewis Research Center could be at risk of developing serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Joe Lyon is a highly rated personal injury lawyer representing plaintiffs nationwide in a wide variety of toxic tort and mesothelioma claims.

NASA Cancer Clusters Signify Toxic Exposure

When several people in a workplace are diagnosed with cancer each year, the workplace itself may be a contributing or primary health factor. Since 1985, twenty different types of cancer were diagnosed among Cleveland NASA employees, including seven cases of lung cancer, which could possibly indicate asbestos exposure.

Other types of cancer diagnosed included melanoma, colon, thyroid, bladder, pancreatic, cervical, uterine, head and neck, bile duct, brain, and stomach cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, asbestos is a known occupational cause of lung cancer, and possibly other forms of cancer.

Cancer clusters thought to be related to workplace exposure usually consist of the same types of cancer. When several cases of the same type of cancer occur and that type is not common in the general population, it is more likely that an occupational exposure is involved. When the cluster consists of multiple types of cancer, an occupational cause of the cancer is less likely.

However, the specific location at NASA Lewis Research Center, in buildings 500 and 501, where a large number of the cancer victims worked, raises the likelihood of an occupational hazard. And, of course, the buildings were known to have been built with asbestos materials, a known toxic and cancer-causing substance.

What Kind of Damages Are Available in a NASA Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit?

NASA asbestos exposure lawsuits can result in various types of damages for affected individuals. These damages can be pursued through legal action if it can be established that NASA or other responsible parties were negligent in their handling or management of asbestos-containing materials.

The specific damages available in such lawsuits may include:

• Medical Expenses: Plaintiffs may seek compensation for past and future medical expenses related to asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer. This can include costs for diagnostic tests, treatments, surgeries, medications, and ongoing medical care.
• Pain and Suffering: Individuals suffering from asbestos-related illnesses may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering they have endured or will endure in the future due to their condition. This can be a significant part of the damages awarded.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If the asbestos exposure led to the inability to work or a reduced ability to earn income, plaintiffs may seek compensation for past and future lost wages and earning capacity. This can be a crucial aspect of the damages awarded, especially for individuals who were exposed while in the workforce.
• Wrongful Death Expenses: In cases where the individual exposed to asbestos has passed away, the family may seek compensation for the expenses related to their funeral and burial.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, if the negligence of the responsible parties is particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future.

It’s important to note that the availability and amount of damages can vary depending on the specifics of the case, the laws of the jurisdiction, and the strength of the evidence demonstrating negligence on the part of NASA or other parties involved.

If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos and is considering legal action, it is advisable to consult with an attorney experienced in asbestos-related cases to assess the specific circumstances and potential for seeking damages.