Oregon man claims asbestos exposure in suit against 100 corporations

An Oregon man has filed an asbestos suit against 100 defendant corporations, claiming the mesothelioma with which he was diagnosed was wrongfully caused.

Carl Mortenson claims he was diagnosed with the disease Dec. 5, according to a lawsuit filed Sept. 3 in Madison County Circuit Court.

He says he worked from 1945 until 1948 as a laborer at Southern Pacific Railroad.

Mortenson also claims he worked in 1946 as a laborer in the U.S. Navy, from 1949 until 1984 as a laborer in the construction industry and from 1948 until 1962 as a laborer at Northrop Grumman.

He 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.

Mortenson alleges the asbestos-related disease disabled and disfigured him and has caused him substantial medical costs. Mortenson also has and will continue to experience physical pain and mental anguish, he claims in the lawsuit.

Mesothelioma hindered and prevented John from pursuing his normal course of employment, according to the suit.

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

In the 13-count lawsuit, Mortenson is seeking sums in excess of $200,000, punitive and exemplary damages in excess of $100,000, economic damages in excess of $150,000, compensatory damages in excess of $150,000, and for other relief the Court deems appropriate.

He also seeks punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish Ferris Kimball Company, LLC, Sprinkmann Sons Corporation, Sprinkmann Insulation, Inc., and Young Insulation Group of St. Louis for their misconduct and to deter similarly situated parties from committing like acts in the future.

He is represented by Randy L. Gori of Gori, Julian & Associates in Alton.