Minnesotan files asbestos complaint in Madison County

A Minnesota man recently diagnosed with mesothelioma has filed an asbestos suit against 13 defendant corporations, claiming the disease was wrongfully caused.

Bernard Hester claims he was diagnosed with the disease May 23, according to a lawsuit filed Aug. 27 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Hester says he has worked since 1961 until now as a security guard, electronic salesman, salesman and furniture buyer, new accounts manager for collection agency, new accounts manager of collection agency and branch manager of savings and loan at various locations, according to the lawsuit.

Hester 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.

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

Mesothelioma has hindered and prevented Hester from pursuing his normal course of employment, according to the suit. As a result, he lost large sums of money, he claims.

In the two-count lawsuit, Hester seeks sums in excess of $50,000 and compensatory 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.

He is represented by Robert Phillips, Nicholas J. Angelides, John A. Barnerd and Perry J. Browder of Simmonscooper LLC in East Alton.