New silicosis suit filed in Madison County

A former National Steel employee filed a silicosis suit against 43 silica manufactures and suppliers in Madison County Circuit Court May 8, alleging that during the course of his employment he was exposed to silica-containing products on many occasions.

Robert Finke claims he has inhaled great quantities of silica dust leading to his diagnosis of silicosis on May 11, 2005.

Finke claims the defendants failed to timely warn him of the dangerous characteristics and serious health hazards associated with silica exposure.

He also claims the defendants failed to provide him information as to what would be reasonably safe and sufficient wearing apparel and proper protective devices, failed to place warnings on the containers of silica, failed to take reasonable precautions to publish and enforce a safe method of handling silica and failed to recall or remove silica from the stream of commerce.

Finke claims his silica-related disease has disabled and disfigured him, caused great physical pain and mental anguish, medical expenses and loss of wages.

Represented by Robert Ramsey of St. Louis, Finke is seeking compensatory and actual damages in excess of $50,000, plus costs.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder.

07 L 429