Illinoisan sues over asbestos in Madison County

An Illinois man has filed an asbestos suit against 65 defendant corporations, claiming the mesothelioma with which he was diagnosed was wrongfully caused.

David Hackethal claims he was diagnosed with the disease July 11, according to a lawsuit filed Sept. 4 in Madison County Circuit Court.

He says he worked from 1946 until 1995 as a mechanic, timekeeper, laboratory tech and millwright at various locations throughout Illinois and Missouri.

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.

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

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

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

In the 11-count lawsuit, Hackethal is seeking sums in excess of $50,000, punitive and exemplary damages in excess of $100,000, compensatory damages in excess of $350,000, and for other relief the Court deems appropriate.

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 in the future.

He is represented by Perry J. Browder, John A. Barnerd, Christopher R. Guinn and Christopher Levy of SimmonsCoooper in East Alton.