California Judge, Two Other Court Employees File Asbestos Lawsuits

By Christy Burns

Published on November 01, 2006

The lawsuits were brought against Nova Partners Inc., Skanska USA Building, and the two companies' project managers. The suits claim that the contractors permitted construction workers to jackhammer and saw-cut concrete on the courthouse's second floor, causing asbestos to be released into the building's ventilation system.

Maldonado claims his lungs were damaged by the asbestos and says he is very concerned about his long-term health.

Maldonado's former bailiff, Deputy Rod Cabotage, allegedly collapsed during a trial and was hospitalized for respiratory ailments. After bringing a worker’s compensation case against Monterey County, Cabotage retired in 2005.

Dorsami Reddy, a lead maintenance worker for the courthouse, regularly spent time fixing and crawling through the building's ventilation ducts, which were responsible for spreading asbestos throughout the building.

Currently, the state attorney general’s office is also prosecuting Skanska USA Building and Nova Partners Inc. on criminal charges related to the project managers’ removal of asbestos from the courthouse.

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