Pennsylvania couple files asbestos suit in Madison County

A Pennsylvania man and his wife have filed an asbestos suit 18 defendant corporations, claiming the mesothelioma with which the man was diagnosed was wrongfully caused.

Stanley M. and Nancy Dietz claim Stanley was diagnosed with the disease April 14, according to a lawsuit filed Oct. 23 in Madison County Circuit Court.

They say Stanley worked from 1967 until 1982 in various trades including laborer, mechanic, machine operator, maintenance man, mechanic, operator, truck driver and residential construction.

They state Stanley'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 Dietzs allege the asbestos-related disease disabled and disfigured Stanley and has caused substantial medical costs. Stanley also has and will continue to experience physical pain and mental anguish, they claim in the lawsuit.

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

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

Because of the disease, Nancy claims she has been deprived of the companionship, society and services of Stanley.

In the six-count lawsuit, the couple is seeking sums in excess of $100,000, 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 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 and by W. Mark Lanier, Paatrick N. Haines, C. Taylor Campbell and W. Casey Harris of Houston.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 08-L-989.