First- and second-hand exposure claimed in asbestos suit

A Missouri man and his wife have filed an asbestos suit against 124 defendant corporations, claiming the mesothelioma with which the man was diagnosed was wrongfully caused.

Clyde and Doris Brookshier claim Clyde was diagnosed with the disease July 8, according to a lawsuit filed Sept. 12 in Madison County Circuit Court.

They say Clyde worked from 1957 until 1960 as a lineman at Missouri Light & Power and was a member of the IBEW, from 1960 until 1962 as a laborer in the U.S. Army, from 1962 until 1965 as a laborer at his father-in-law's farm, and from 1965 until 1983 as an installer/repairman at Sprint.

He also has done some home remodeling work including building a barn and helping with roofing jobs.

In addition to his first-hand exposure, Clyde claims he has been exposed to asbestos fibers through his father who was a lineman at Missouri Light & Power until 1949.

The Brookshiers state Clyde's exposure was foreseeable and should have been anticipated by the defendants, according to the lawsuit.

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

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

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

As a result, he lost large sums of money, the Brookshiers claim.

Because of the disease, Doris claims she has been deprived of the companionship, society and services of Clyde.

In the 11-count lawsuit, the couple is seeking sums in excess of $100,000, 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.

They also seek 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.

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