De Beers and Its Affiliates Face Major Lawsuit for Mesothelioma Deaths

Former De Beers employees in South Carolina are taking legal action after decades of asbestos exposure in the company’s mining and industrial operations. A class-action lawsuit filed by 159 plaintiffs accuses De Beers and its affiliates of negligence, claiming they knowingly exposed workers to asbestos without proper safety measures. Many former employees now suffer from mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other life-threatening diseases, with some cases resulting in death.

For affected workers and their families, this lawsuit is about more than compensation—it’s about accountability. Plaintiffs argue that De Beers was aware of the severe health risks linked to asbestos but failed to warn or protect those in daily contact with the hazardous material.

On this page, you can expect to find out the details of the ongoing lawsuit, including the specific allegations made against De Beers and its affiliates and how asbestos exposure occurred. The page will explain the corporate tactics used by De Beers to avoid liability, shedding light on their actions. It will also discuss what the case means for mesothelioma victims and future asbestos-related claims. Additionally, the page offers guidance on how individuals who have been exposed to asbestos, particularly in South Carolina, can take legal action and explore their options for seeking justice.

Asbestos Allegations Against De Beers and Cape PLC

Past employees and their families allege that De Beers and its affiliate, Cape PLC, failed to properly warn workers about the dangers of amosite asbestos exposure. This asbestos material was used in mining and manufacturing processes, putting many employees directly in harm’s way. The lawsuit claims that De Beers, alongside Cape PLC, was aware of the health risks associated with asbestos but neglected to take the necessary precautions to protect their staff and surrounding communities.

The plaintiffs accuse the companies of failing to provide proper safety training, protective equipment, or adequate warnings about the risks of asbestos exposure. Many of these workers, who were unaware of the hazards, spent years handling dangerous materials, leading to serious health conditions, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. The case also involves claims of fraudulent misrepresentation, with De Beers and Cape PLC accused of concealing the true dangers of asbestos to avoid public backlash and maintain operations.

This lawsuit could have serious implications for future asbestos-related claims, potentially influencing how other companies are held accountable for similar negligence and failure to protect workers.

Corporate Tactics to Avoid Liability

According to the lawsuit, plaintiffs accuse both De Beers and Cape PLC of creating corporate strategies to shield themselves from legal responsibility. These tactics included building a network of subsidiaries to distance the companies from the direct connection to asbestos production and distribution. Additionally, the companies are accused of destroying crucial corporate records that would have provided evidence of their involvement in asbestos practices. These efforts have made it more difficult for victims to hold the companies accountable, adding to the already overwhelming emotional toll on the families.

In addition to creating subsidiaries, the lawsuit alleges De Beers and Cape PLC destroyed crucial corporate records containing evidence of the company’s involvement with asbestos. This has made the product liability litigation case against Cape PLC and De Beers almost impossible to pin down who was responsible for their suffering. De Beers and Cape PLC claim they were not aware of the dangers, leaving victims and their families with the pain and suffering they endured. 

As a result, many people who are already dealing with debilitating diseases like mesothelioma are faced with further delays and complexities in their pursuit of justice. These corporate maneuvers show the systemic challenges workers and their families face in seeking accountability from large corporations.

What This Lawsuit Means for Mesothelioma Victims and Future Claims

Holding De Beers and Cape PLC accountable for their actions could open a new path for those denied justice. If successful, it may encourage others to come forward, knowing they may be able to obtain justice against powerful corporations. The ongoing class action lawsuit against De Beers’ asbestos involvements will set a precedent for future asbestos-related cases. De Beers and Cape PLC’s corporate tactics to avoid liability, such as corporate restructuring and fraudulent misrepresentation, highlight victims’ challenges when fighting for justice. For those who have suffered from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, if the lawsuit is successful, it could pave the way for mesothelioma victims to receive compensation for their suffering, setting a critical legal precedent for future asbestos-related claims.

List of De Beers Affiliates Facing Lawsuit

Several affiliates of De Beers, alongside the company itself, are named in the class action lawsuit for their roles in distributing and selling amosite asbestos products. Cape Insulation, a subsidiary of Cape PLC, is specifically accused of supplying amosite asbestos to various companies across the U.S. without adequate warnings about the risks associated with prolonged exposure. Many workers who came into contact with these asbestos materials have developed life-threatening diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.

In addition to Cape Insulation, other De Beers affiliates, including De Beers Consolidated Mines and the De Beers Industrial Diamond Division, are implicated in the lawsuit. These entities are accused of exposing workers to hazardous levels of asbestos and failing to take responsibility for the widespread harm caused by their negligence. The involvement of multiple affiliates in the supply chain adds complexity to the case, as it highlights how several companies contributed to the exposure and damage suffered by employees and their families in South Carolina. This multi-company involvement not only makes the lawsuit more challenging but also underscores the difficulty in determining accountability when corporate structures are used to shield key players from direct responsibility.

Have You Been Exposed to Asbestos in South Carolina? Contact Us for Legal Help.

The impact of De Beers’ asbestos negligence has affected many families, especially those in South Carolina who worked in mining, manufacturing, and construction and are now suffering from asbestos-related diseases. If you or someone you love has been affected by De Beers’ asbestos negligence, seeking legal guidance to explore your options for obtaining compensation can be life-changing. 

Lung Cancer Center has the resources needed to navigate the legal process, hold responsible corporations accountable, and obtain the justice you deserve. Our patient advocates can help answer all of your legal questions, such as what is the average settlement for mesothelioma cases and how much is a mesothelioma claim worth. Compensation can help victims and their families with medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our team can help connect you with asbestos attorneys with decades of experience navigating asbestos litigation so you can see if you qualify for the Cape PLC mesothelioma claims. Don’t hesitate to contact us today, as we are dedicated to helping you fight for the justice you deserve.