Gori
Lowe
An additional two asbestos lawsuits have been added to the growing list of cases in St. Clair County's asbestos docket.
Anna Cemazar of Michigan filed the 18th asbestos lawsuit of the year in St. Clair County Circuit Court while Linda Ahrens-Posco filed the 19th.
Anna Cemazar is represented by Randy L. Gori and Barry Julian of Gori, Julian and Associates in Edwardsville and Ahrens-Posco is represented by Jeffrey J. Lowe of Carey, Danis and Lowe.
In her complaint filed June 25, Anna Cemazar alleges 39 defendant companies caused her recently deceased husband, David Cemazar, to develop lung cancer after his exposure to asbestos-containing products throughout his career.
David Cemazar worked as a machinist helper at New York Central Railroad from 1959 until 1960, as a grinder/painter/helper at Webb Conveyor from 1962 until 1963, as a renovator with Detroit Sash from 1963 until 1965, as a renovator with Waymar Sash from 1965 until 1974, at Strand Buildings and Butler Buildings in 1970, as an ironworker at Aaron Ornamental Iron Works in 1970, as an ironworker at Charles Haas in 1972, as a renovator with E.L. Abling from 1975 until 1976, as a renovator at A&D Erectors in 1980, as a laborer at Koch Corporation from 1980 until 1983 and as a home remodeler at his residence from 1971 until 1995, according to the complaint.
In her complaint also filed June 25, Ahrens-Posco claims 104 defendant companies caused her recently deceased father, William D. Ahrens, to develop mesothelioma after his exposure to asbestos-containing products throughout his career.
Ahrens worked as a press operator for Lincoln Bag Company from 1947 until 1954, as a plant manager and salesman for Lincoln Bag Company from 1954 until 1960, as an insurance salesman for Prudential Insurance Company from 1960 until 1963, as a laborer for Bigelow-Liptak Corporation from 1960 until 1965, as a painter and dry-waller at various sites from 1962 until 1972, as a printer for Imprinting Service Bureau from 1972 until 1976 and as president of Ahrens International Printing Company from 1976 until 1988, the suit states.
The defendants should have known of the harmful effects of asbestos, but failed to exercise reasonable care and caution for the plaintiffs' or their deceased relative's safety, the suits state.
As a result of their asbestos-related diseases, David Cemazar and Ahrens became disabled and disfigured, incurred medical costs and suffered great physical pain and mental anguish, the complaints say. In addition, they became prevented from pursuing their normal course of employment and, as a result, lost large sums of money that would have accrued to them, the plaintiffs claim.
Because of David Cemazar's and Ahrens' deaths, the plaintiffs and other relatives have been deprived of his love, services, companionship, comfort, instruction, guidance, counsel, training and support, according to the complaints.
In her 13-count complaint, Anna Cemazar is seeking a judgment of more than $300,000, compensatory damages of more than $100,000, economic damages of more than $200,000, unspecified punitive and exemplary damages and punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish Sprinkmann Sons Corporation, Sprinkmann Sons of Illinois and Young Insulation Group of St. Louis for their actions, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.
In her 12-count complaint, Ahrens-Posco is seeking an unspecified amount in excess of the jurisdictional limits of St. Clair County Circuit Court, compensatory damages of more than $100,000 and punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish Sprinkmann Insulation and Sprinkmann Sons Corporation for their actions, plus other relief the court deems just and costs.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case numbers: 10-L-321, 10-L-327.