James Ross is a man Seattle 71 years who has worked for 51 years as a brakeman based in Seattle and conductor for Great Northern Railway and the following companies who bought the railway company. A recent article in the SeattleTimes told the story of how it two years ago, Ross was diagnosed with a cancer linked to asbestos, mesothelioma, and given eight months to live. He believes that chemicals and makeup of the brake shoes at his workplace and asbestos products he used to remodel his house caused his illness. Although he was able to reconcile with his terminal and painful illness, he was not prepared to allow his wife to suffer after his death.
Shortly after the filing of several lawsuits asbestos last year against several manufacturers of asbestos products, Ross learned that, in the King County, where he lives, victims of mesothelioma die by being involved in civil litigation must undergo an autopsy. Ross is personally opposed to this requirement for what he called "philosophical" reasons. He felt that forcing his wife to bear an autopsy after losing him was unfair and cruel, and James Ross asked the King County judge to issue a protection order concerning the autopsy to protect his wife. Ross also stressed that the doctor made his diagnosis of mesothelioma and an autopsy should not be necessary.
There was once nearly impossible to detect mesothelioma without autopsy, as twenty years before diagnosis Ross. Fortunately, medical technology has evolved, and mesothelioma is diagnosed before the death of a patient.
Section SeattleTimes, Judge King County Superior Court of Paris Kallas issued its order on the issue Thursday. Kallas carefully drafted an order that would waive the requirement for autopsy Ross. This order did not overturn existing autopsy requirement for mesothelioma victims involved in a dispute. The order also does not forbid lawyers petition of defense later, a judge ordered the remains of Ross.
Counsel representing James Ross tried to have the judgment of the county autopsies on victims of mesothelioma who had filed suits for asbestos-related damages, but the court rejected his motion. However, he and Ross are both convinced that their decision will help make other legal challenges autopsies a little easier.
Ultimately, Ross, the order means his body does not automatically undergo an autopsy, saving his grief woman extra love and allowing it to make funeral plans without delay or more emotional trauma. the case of James Ross is scheduled for trial in March.
