Granite City steel worker says companies are to blame for his lung cancer diagnosis

A man and his wife allege dozens of companies are responsible for exposing him to asbestos while working at a Granite City steel mine.

Michael L. Rose and Debbie Rose of Highland filed complaints against General Electric Company, 3M Company, Illinois Tool Works Inc. and more than five dozen other companies on Oct. 3.

Their suit was filed in St. Clair County Circuit Court, not their home court of Madison County Circuit Court.

Michael Rose began his job as a steelworker in 1978 at US Steel, formerly known as Granite City Steel and National Steel in Granite City, according to the complaint. He says he was "exposed to and inhaled, ingested or otherwise absorbed large amounts of asbestos fibers emanating from certain products." Rose contends he is currently being treated for "asbestos-induced lung cancer" as a direct result of negligence by the defendants.

Rose and his wife allege the asbestos-containing products manufactured, sold or distributed by the defendants were known to be dangerous but say those dangers weren't shared with the public. They accuse the defendants of negligence and willful and wanton conduct. Some of the defendants also are 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. Debbie Rose is suing for loss of consortium.

The Roses seek more than $50,000 in damages. They are represented by attorneys Randy L. Gori and Barry Julian of Edwardsville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 14-L-675.