Michigan man claims mesothelioma in Madison County suit

A Michigan man and his wife have filed an asbestos suit against 69 defendant corporations, claiming the mesothelioma with which the man was diagnosed was wrongfully caused.

James P. and Esther P. Jajuga claim James was diagnosed with the disease June 6, according to a lawsuit filed Sept. 8 in Madison County Circuit Court.

They say James worked for his father at John Jajuga from 1946 until 1951.

James also worked from 1950 until 1992 performing various jobs in Michigan and Ohio.

They state James's exposure was foreseeable and should have been anticipated by the defendants, according to the lawsuit.

The Jajugas allege the asbestos-related disease disabled and disfigured James and has caused substantial medical costs. James also has and will continue to experience physical pain and mental anguish, they claim in the lawsuit.

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

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

Because of the disease, Esther claims she has been deprived of the companionship, society and services of James.

In the 10-count lawsuit, the couple is seeking sums in excess of $100,000, economic damages in excess of $150,000, punitive and exemplary damages in excess of $100,000, compensatory damages in excess of $100,000, and for other relief the Court deems appropriate.

They also seek punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish Sprinkmann Sons Corporation and Sprinkmann Insulation, Inc., for their misconduct and to deter similarly situated parties from committing like acts in the future.

They are represented by Randy L. Gori of Gori, Julian & Associates in Alton.