Merlin Olsen Suing Multiple Companies after Developing Mesothelioma
Former National Football League (NFL) player Merlin Olsen has recently filed a lawsuit against NBC Studios, NBC Universal, 20th Century Fox Sherwin Williams, Lennox Industries and other companies for developing the rare cancer mesothelioma.
Olsen gained fame during his 15-year career with the Los Angeles Rams, 14 of which he was selected into the Pro Bowl. After his career in the NFL, Olsen became a sportscaster, actor and a spokesperson for FTD Florists. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well as the College Football Hall of Fame.
According to the suit, Olsen worked after school performing manual labor when he was about 10 or 11 years old and was exposed to asbestos during this time. He also claims he was negligently exposed to asbestos during his employment with NBC and 20th Century Fox later in life.
In addition to malignant mesothelioma, asbestos exposure has been linked to both lung cancer and asbestosis, among other conditions. Exposure most often occurs by inhaling airborne asbestos fibers that have been released from damaged materials containing the toxic mineral.
The effects of inhaling asbestos fibers can take as long as 50 years to develop, depending on the condition. Those who develop lung cancer or asbestosis may begin to feel symptoms as early as 10 years after exposure. Victims of mesothelioma on the other hand often do not feel any symptoms until at least 20 years after their initial exposure to asbestos.
Olsen is currently receiving chemotherapy to better his overall health. He says mesothelioma “is a vicious, painful and invariably fatal malignancy” without a cure. Olsen and his wife are suing the defendants for unspecified damages.
Additional information about mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.
