Catastrophic Workplace Injury: Cobalt Lung

Fineberg Gresham’s Workplace Injury Attorneys Uncover Deception and Bring Justice to Injured Worker

Jackson vs. Aircraft Tooling Incorporated

Jeremy Jackson worked for Aircraft Tooling Incorporated, a company that refurbishes airplane parts.  Jeremy’s primary job duty was to spray aircraft parts with tungsten carbide cobalt using a flame sprayer HVOF gun.  Jeremy’s employer did not provide him with any training on the toxic cobalt that he was exposed to for hours each day nor did they provide him with appropriate protective gear or an airline respirator.

Over time, Jeremy’s health deteriorated.  He had chest pains, coughing fits, and shortness of breath.  After three years working in this position, Jeremy was diagnosed with hard metal lung disease. This disease is most commonly related to concentrations of cobalt in the lungs and is even referred to as “cobalt lung.”  His lung capacity was diminished to 32% and he had lost thirty pounds.  Doctors informed Jeremy that the only way he was going to survive was to have a double lung transplant.  In 2003, at the age of 26, Jeremy had to have this serious operation to save his life. Since work was the only place where Jeremy was exposed to any form of cobalt, he knew that his job had caused his condition, and that this was a workplace injury.

Aircraft Tooling Incorporated denied there were any health risks or problems with their processes, training, protective equipment, or facilities.  They coerced employees into signing release forms and misrepresented OSHA inspection reports.  All of these measures were to cover up any responsibility for Jeremy’s condition.

The workplace injury attorneys at Fineberg Gresham worked relentlessly to bring justice to Jeremy Jackson.  They spared no expense tracking down facts that highlighted discrepancies in statements made by employees and the management team at Aircraft Tooling.  Their expert investigative and legal skills secured a substantial settlement for their client that covered his medical expenses, and replaced the income he had lost as a result of this devastating condition.

If you or a loved one has suffered a workplace injury, contact the workplace injury attorneys at Fineberg Gresham for a free consultation.  We offer results without risk as there are no fees or expenses charged until we recover money for you.

Evening News Coverage
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Workplace Injury Case: Jackson
Video Length - 5:10

Jackson Family Struggles
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Jackson Employees Deposition
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Safety Measures
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Product Responsibility
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Hazard Communication Coordinator Deposition
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ATI President Deposition
Video Length - 4:14