BELLEVILLE – The son of a former laborer is suing dozens of companies, alleging his father's exposure to asbestos fibers led to a premature death.
Louis Jimerson, individually and as special administrator of the estate of Henry W. Jimerson, filed the lawsuit Jan. 13 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Alcoa Inc. and many other defendants, alleging negligence and willful and wanton conduct. Metropolitan Life Insurance amd Pneumo Abex Corporation are accused of conspiracy.
According to the complaint, Henry Jimerson worked from 1968 to 1990 as a boiler worker/steel worker at Reynolds Metal. On May 25, 2012, he was diagnosed with lung cancer, an asbestos-induced disease, the suit says, and he died Jan. 22, 2014.
The suit alleges fraudulent misrepresentation, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress specifically against Alcoa Inc. and Reynolds Metals Company.
The complaint states Metropolitan Life and Pneumo Abex both knew the dangers of exposure to asbestos-containing products, yet squelched the information for many years.
Louis Jimerson seeks compensatory damages of at least $50,000 against all defendants, punitive damages and other relief the court deems appropriate. He is represented by attorneys Randy L. Gori and Barry Julian of Gori, Julian & Associates PC of Edwardsville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-25