BELLEVILLE – The widow of a man exposed to asbestos throughout his working life is suing more than two dozen companies, alleging negligence among other counts.
Marguerite Lenoir, individually and as special administrator of the estate of Randolph Lenoir, filed the lawsuit Jan. 13 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against CBS Corporation, Illinois Central Railroad Co., Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., and 3M Company, among other listed defendants, as well as Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.
According to the complaint, Randolph Lenoir, worked as a milk truck driver and then a carman at Illinois Central Railroad, where he came into contact with asbestos. He also was exposed through is father and his brother, who both worked at Illinois Central Railroad, the suit says.
At various times during his working life, the lawsuit states, Lenoir was exposed to and inhaled, ingested or otherwise absorbed large amounts of asbestos fibers. His exposure occurred at different times and not necessarily throughout his entire career or specific to any one defendant, the suit says.
The complaint alleges Metropolitan Life is guilty of conspiracy. The suit says Met Life was among a group of companies that conducted research about the health risks of asbestos but the study was altered, and Met Life knew it. Further, the lawsuit states, the defendant tried to discredit scientists working on the study and also actively suppressed publication about the dangers of asbestos, the suit alleges.
On Aug. 13, 2012, Lenior was diagnosed with lung cancer, the suit states, and the defendants should have known of the dangers of asbestos and prevented the deceased's exposure to it. Lenior eventually died of lung cancer, the suit says
Marguerite Lenior seeks at least $50,000 from each defendant. She is represented by attorneys Randy L. Gori and Barry Julian of Gori, Julian & Associates PC in Edwardsville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-27