Kraft Foods sued over AD&D insurance policy

The family of a deceased Granite City man says his employer has refused to pay on a life insurance policy for more than a year since his death.

Dustin Craig, on behalf of the estate of Donald J. Craig, Joshua Craig and Donald Lee Craig filed a lawsuit July 20 in Madison County Circuit Court against Kraft Foods Inc.

According to the complaint, Donald J. Craig worked for Kraft Foods at the Sun Capri Plant in Granite City for more than 20 years. During that time, Craig allegedly paid premiums for accidental death and dismemberment insurance -- payments that were allegedly deducted from his paychecks.

Dustin Craig says Donald Craig died in July 2010 Craig after falling from a deer stand. Since his death, the man's family contends they have tried to find out how to make a claim on the policy and have yet to receive a written response or have been told the policy had been canceled.

The Craig family accuses Kraft Foods of breach of contract and fiduciary duties. They say the company has also violated IIllinois' Wage Act. They are asking for more than $200,000 in damages plus court fees and the principal paid on the policy.

Attorney William B. Starnes II of Edwardsville is representing the Craigs.

Madison County Circuit Court case No. 11-L-712.