Louisiana man sues 13 for mesothelioma

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

George Harrigan, Sr., claims he was diagnosed with the disease May 15, according to a lawsuit filed Sept. 16 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Harrigan says he worked from 1943 until 1979 as a laborer, electrician and quality control specialist at various locations, according to the lawsuit.

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

Harrigan alleges the asbestos-related disease has disabled and disfigured him and has forced him to pay for medical expenses. Harrigan 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 hindered and prevented Harrigan from pursuing his normal course of employment, according to the suit.

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

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 and Perry J. Browder of Simmonscooper LLC in East Alton.