BY SUSAN VELA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON -- James Eunkraut thinks the fall weather, and not exposure to airborne asbestos at Latonia Elementary School, has caused his fifth-grade son's sniffling and congestion.
But he worries about the years to come and whether his child, one of three who attend Latonia, might be diagnosed with health problems related to the school's asbestos scare.
"I'm really not sure what (health) insurance will do these days," said Mr. Eunkraut, one of at least 50 parents who gathered Saturday at the Salvation Army to seek legal advice and learn more about the federal lawsuit that was filed Friday against Covington Public Schools and independent contractors.
Four attorneys are seeking a jury trial and unspecified damages to cover medical tests and counseling for about 30 students, staff and school visitors represented in the litigation.
Class-action possible
The group also has asked a federal judge to consider a motion to certify the litigation as a class-action lawsuit, which would mean it would cover all Latonia Elementary School students, staff and visitors who were in the building when the asbestos was released.
Latonia Elementary School has been closed since Sept. 28 because of asbestos problems. Asbestos fiber, often used to insulate and fireproof older buildings, can become embedded in the lungs and cause respiratory illnesses and cancer.
One of four lead attorneys in the case, Thomas Beiting led Saturday's hour-long information session.
He assured Mr. Eunkraut that any asbestos-related health problems that his children might suffer would be covered by a fund established if the litigation becomes a successful class-action lawsuit. The fund would be for baseline medical tests, annual blood tests and chest X-rays for those who want assurance that they haven't been affected by exposure to asbestos. It also would provide financing for long-term care, Mr. Beiting said.
Other parents were concerned that a successful lawsuit would drain finances from the school district and threaten their children's education.
Mr. Beiting said that wouldn't happen because the district and contractors have insurance. He's hoping the fund would last for at least 10 years.
Tawana Bowles already has taken her first-grade son to the doctor to have his chest X-rayed. She attended Saturday's session to learn more about the pending litigation.
She remains unsure about whether she'll seek legal recourse against the district.
"I love the school," she said, noting that she also attended Latonia. "I had no problems with it until now."
Attorneys Jennifer Westermeyer of Newport, Charles Schaffner of Covington and Robert McBride of Covington are the other attorneys in the case.
