A Madison County couple is suing several corporations regarding claims the husband contracted a bone marrow disorder due to benzene exposure.
Joseph Cecchini and Cynthia Cecchini filed a lawsuit on Jan. 8 in Madison County District Court against Ameren Illinois Company, Armor All Products Corporation, BP Amoco Chemical Company, Conoco Phillips, Conoco Phillips Company, Olin Corporation, Premcor Refining Group Inc., Radiator Specialty Company, Shell Chemical Company, Shell Oil Company, Tosco Corporation, Tosco Refining Company, Turtle Wax Inc., United States Steel Corporation and WD-40 Corporation, citing negligence, misconduct and conspiracy.
The plaintiffs state that through the years 1977 to 2003 Joseph Cecchini performed duties of a pipefitter at various locations for the defendants, including in Madison County. According to the suit, the defendants contaminated the work site with a carcinogenic chemical resulting in the plaintiff contracting a bone marrow disorder, greatly diminishing his quality of life. The suit alleges the defendants failed to inform workers of the dangers in any contact with the chemical.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages in excess of $50,000 and court costs.
They are being represented in the case by Alton attorney G. Michael Stewart of Simmons, Browder, Gianaris, Angelides and Barnerd LLC.
Madison County District Court Case No. 2014L000021.