Paul Bowen died only three months after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis in October 2007. Now, his estate is suing 73 defendants for negligence and reckless misconduct that caused his asbestos-related death.

Paul worked for over 50 years as a laborer, mechanic, truck driver, miner, and kiln operator, but his estate believes his exposure to asbestos came primarily from fibers his wife brought home from work. She was employed at various locations as a machine operator, maintenance worker, finisher, and striper.

The suit names 73 defendants that include Bondex International, CBS, ConocoPhillips, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Goodyear, John Crane, Owens-Illinois, Pharmacia, Shell Chemical and Yarway Corp.

"The plaintiff's exposure and inhalation, ingestion or absorption of the asbestos fibers was completely foreseeable and could or should have been anticipated by the defendants," the complaint states.

According to the claim, the defendants known or should have known about the dangers of asbestos. It also states that the companies chose not to use safe asbestos substitutes, even when they were available. The estate has tried to procure documents from the defendants regarding asbestos use in the workplace, but they claim evidence has been destroyed or is unwilling to be forfeited.

The estate is seeking at least $250,000 in compensatory damages for negligence, willful and wanton acts, conspiracy, and negligent spoliation of evidence among other allegations.