Gori
Julian
More asbestos lawsuits have been added to the growing list of cases in St. Clair County's asbestos docket.
Edward and Iva Hayes filed an asbestos lawsuit Sept. 28 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against 53 defendant companies. Delvin and Rosalie Schuessler filed a lawsuit Sept. 23 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against 45 defendants. Neither the Hayes nor the Schuesslers specify where they reside.
The Hayes and the Schuesslers are represented by Randy L. Gori and Barry Julian of Gori, Julian and Associates in Edwardsville.
In their complaint, the Hayes allege the defendant companies caused Edward Hayes to develop lung cancer after his exposure to asbestos-containing products throughout his career.
Edward Hayes worked as a fireman from 1945 until 1947, as a mechanic at Clyde Jones Auto from 1948 until 1954, as a plumber and pipefitter at various private businesses from 1954 until 1956, as a plumber and pipefitter at Warren Green Plumbing from 1956 until the 1960s and as a maintenance worker and plumber at Appalachian State University from the 1960s until the 1990s, according to the complaint.
In their complaint, the Schuesslers allege Delvin Schuessler developed lung cancer after his work as a maintenance worker and mechanic at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing from 1955 until 1977.
The defendants should have known of the harmful effects of asbestos, but failed to exercise reasonable care and caution for the plaintiffs' safety, the suits state.
As a result of their asbestos-related diseases, Edward Hayes and Delvin Schuessler 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, the plaintiffs claim.
In their six-count complaint, the Hayes are seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, compensatory damages of more than $100,000, punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish the defendant for their misconduct and punitive and exemplary damages of more than $100,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.
In their 10-count complaint, the Schuesslers are seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, compensatory damages of more than $100,000, punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish the defendants for their misconduct, punitive and exemplary damages of more than $100,000 and economic damages of more than $150,000.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case numbers: 11-L-546, 11-L-538.