Gori and Julian file another seven asbestos suits in St. Clair County

Seven plaintiffs are suing dozens of companies in St. Clair County Circuit Court claiming their exposure to asbestos caused them to contract lung cancer.

In separate cases filed Sept. 18, Sept. 23 or Sept. 24, James Schuring and Diane Schuring, Marland Ratekin and Lucinda Ratkin, Charles F. Coates, John D. Lockler, McKinsey Wayne Parker and Claire Adams Jr. filed complaints against General Motors, Special Electric Company, Buffalo Pumps Inc. and more than three dozen other companies.

The plaintiffs, who do not list cities or states of residence, contend they or their spouse developed lung cancer as a direct result of exposure to asbestos-containing products manufactured, sold or distributed by the defendants. They are accused of negligence and wilful and wanton conduct. Some are also accused of fraudulent misrepresentation and battery. Metropolitan Life Insurance is accused of conspiracy, and several other companies of spoliation of evidence for attempts to hide the knowledge of effects of asbestos exposure from the public.

The plaintiffs each seek in excess of $50,000 in damages. They are represented by attorneys Randy L. Gori and Barry Julian, of Edwardsville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case numbers: 14-L-646, 14-L-649, 14-L-650, 14--651, 14-L-652, 14-L-655 and 14-L-656.