Leon Solis Jr., et al. vs. 3M Company, et al

Case Background

On October 27, 2020, Plaintiff Laura Rangel and others filed an Asbestos Exposure Case in the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County (Case number:20STCV41475). Judge Mary Ann Murphy presided over the case.

Cause

The case arose from Sylvia Solis's exposure to asbestos fibers through household contact with her husband, Leon Solis Jr.'s, contaminated work clothes, tools, body, and vehicles. For years, Leon Solis Jr. worked directly with and around various asbestos-containing products and equipment. These products released respirable asbestos fibers into his work environment. Multiple defendants designed, manufactured, distributed, and sold these asbestos-containing products. Among them were 3M Company, ArvinMeritor Inc., BorgWarner Morse Tec LLC, and others. These defendants engaged in various activities, including researching, manufacturing, fabricating, and designing asbestos products. They modified, labeled, assembled, distributed, leased, bought, and sold these items. Additionally, they inspected, serviced, installed, contracted for installation, repaired, marketed, warranted, rebranded, packaged, and advertised asbestos and asbestos-containing products. The defendants marketed and distributed these products despite knowing that users would not inspect them for defects or recognize the inherent hazards. They possessed knowledge of the substantial dangers associated with asbestos exposure. However, they failed to provide adequate warnings to users, consumers, workers, bystanders, and their families.

Injuries

Sylvia Solis suffered severe health complications and ultimately died due to her exposure to asbestos fibers brought home by her husband. The exposure pathway included direct and indirect contact with Leon's contaminated work clothes, which he wore home daily. She inhaled asbestos fibers while handling his laundry, cleaning their home, and being in proximity to his contaminated tools, vehicles, and work gear. The defendants' asbestos-containing products released dangerous fibers that adhered to Leon's clothes and personal items, creating a hazardous environment in their home. These toxic fibers caused Sylvia to develop serious asbestos-related diseases that led to her death. The exposure occurred during routine, foreseeable hous