The family of Amanda Satterfield, who passed away from mesothelioma January 1, 2005, has been awarded compensation in a settlement case involving ALCOA Inc. The case stems from 2003 when Amanda was 23 years old and initially diagnosed with the rare cancer. After her passing, Amanda’s parents Doug and Donna Satterfield continued the lawsuit.
According to their Web site, ALCOA Inc. is an aluminum company focusing in the aerospace, automotive, packaging, construction and commercial transportation markets. In 2008, the company was 10 times safer to work for than it was in 1991.
However, safety levels prior to this date were much lower and the risk of asbestos exposure was prevalent. In 1973, Amanda’s father Doug Satterfield worked for ALCOA Tennessee Operations and hauled asbestos for the company.
During this time, it is believed he carried home asbestos fibers on his clothes, exposing his young daughter Amanda to the toxic material. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of malignant mesothelioma, and children are more susceptible to asbestos exposure than adults.
asbestos exposure can occur by either inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. Once the fibers have entered the body, they typically become lodged within the lining of the lungs. Others areas that can be affected by asbestos include the lining of the heart and abdomen.
The amount of the settlement was not disclosed. According to ALCOA Tennessee Operations spokeswoman Christy Newman, “We can confirm that the parties have agreed to settle the case in a confidential agreement. We are pleased that the lawsuit is concluded and both parties can move forward.”
Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the mesothelioma Center.