Inmates at Columbus, Ohio Area Prison Fear Asbestos Exposure at Facility

In January 2008, a group of 33 inmates at the Chillicothe Correctional Institution near in Columbus, Ohio filed a federal lawsuit claiming both state and prison officials lied about the presence of asbestos at the prison.

According to official state reports, the prison reported that asbestos was not present in housing areas of the prison.  However, several inmates became concerned about what they suspected was asbestos, and collected samples from a dorm floor and steam pipe insulation. Their attorney arranged to have the samples tested at a lab, where they tested positive for the presence of asbestos.

The inmates’ lawsuit also alleged that inmate work crews performed asbestos removal work at the prison.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.

Weitz & Luxenberg is a leading plaintiffs' law firm that has represented people affected by mesothelioma for over 20 years. Men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure may be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for their disease. If you would like a free consultation or more information about your legal options, please complete the form below, and a representative of our law firm will contact you as soon as possible.