West Virginia University Reaches Settlement Agreement in Asbestos Lawsuit

By Ramsay Crooks

Published on November 23, 2005

A settlement agreement has been reached between West Virginia University and employees concerning a class action asbestos lawsuit filed in 2000.

In 2000 employees of West Virginia University filed a lawsuit seeking medical monitoring as a result of working in university buildings containing asbestos insulation. Employees filing the suit included professors, custodians, secretaries and several other staff members. The suit alleged that employees were being put at a higher risk of cancer as a result of working in campus buildings that contained asbestos.

The proposed agreement includes a 20-year medical surveillance program. West Virginia University has also agreed to pay $1 million to cover any potential claims and attorney fees.

According to a statement released by the university, all standard, recognized practices for asbestos removal have been followed over the years, and that the general population of employees, through routine monitoring of buildings and air samplings, remain safe from harm. The statement also pointed out that the agreement was reached in the spirit of compromise.

A judge must approve the agreement before it is made final. A hearing date is set for December 22.

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