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MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Illinois man's estate sues over asbestos exposure

An Illinois man has filed an asbestos suit on behalf of his recently deceased father against 69 defendant corporations, claiming the lung cancer with which his dad was diagnosed was wrongfully caused.

James Gillis claims Gilbert Gillis was diagnosed with the disease Feb. 19, 2003, and died from it Oct. 24, 2007, according to a lawsuit filed Oct. 22 in Madison County Circuit Court.

James says his father worked from 1953 until 1998 as a laborer and furnace operator at various locations throughout Illinois, according to the lawsuit.

James states Gilbert's 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.

James alleges the asbestos-related disease caused Gilbert to incur substantial medical costs. Gilbert also experienced great physical pain and mental anguish as a result of the disease, James claims in the lawsuit.

Lung cancer hindered and prevented Gilbert from pursuing his normal course of employment, according to the suit.

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

Because of Gilbert's death, his family has been deprived of his support and has lost his society, the suit states.

His family spent substantial amounts on funeral and burial costs, according to the complaint.

In the 11-count lawsuit, James seeks sums in excess of $350,000 and compensatory damages in excess of $200,000.

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 John A. Barnerd and W. Brent Copple of Simmonscooper in East Alton.

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