Lung cancer caused by asbestos, suit claims

An Illinois man recently diagnosed with lung cancer has filed an asbestos suit against 74 defendant corporations, claiming the disease was wrongfully caused.

Ronald Brust claims he was diagnosed with the disease June 24, according to a lawsuit filed Aug. 26 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Brust says he worked from 1961 until 2003 as a plasterer, jet engine mechanic, and dry waller at various locations throughout Illinois and Missouri, according to the lawsuit.

Brust states his exposure was foreseeable and should have been anticipated by the defendants, according to the lawsuit.

He claims his disease was caused after he was exposed to and inhaled, ingested or otherwise absorbed asbestos fibers.

Brust alleges the asbestos-related disease has disabled and disfigured him and has and will continue to compel him to expend and become liable for large sums of money for hospital, medical, and other health and services necessary for the treatment of the disease.

Brust also has and will continue to experience great physical pain and mental anguish as a result of the disease, he claims in the lawsuit.

Lung cancer hindered and prevented Brust from pursuing his normal course of employment, according to the suit.

As a result, he lost large sums of money, he claims.

In the five-count lawsuit, Brust seeks sums in excess of $50,000; punitive and exemplary damage in excess of $100,000; andcompensatory damages in excess of $100,000.

He also seeks punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish the defendants for their misconduct and to deter similarly situated parties from committing like acts of misconduct in the future.

Brust is represented by John A. Barnerd and Randy S. Cohn of Simmonscooper LLC in East Alton.