BELLEVILLE – A former laborer is suing over his exposure to asbestos that allegedly led to him developing lung cancer. Negligence is among the charges.
Larry House filed the suit Feb. 23 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Alfa Laval Inc., Borg-Warner Morse Tec LLC, Dow Chemical Company and many other listed defendants. Singled out is Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.
From 1976 to 1986, the plaintiff was in the American military and worked as a laborer and truck driver. At various times during his working life, the plaintiff was allegedly exposed to, inhaled, ingested or otherwise absorbed large amounts of asbestos fibers.
His exposure to the materials, products and equipment attributable to the various defendants occurred at different times and not necessarily throughout the plaintiff's career or a specific defendant, according to the complaint.
On July 23, 2015, the plaintiff was diagnosed with lung cancer, an asbestos-induced disease. While the defendants had a duty to exercise reasonable care and caution for the safety of the plaintiff and others working with the products of the defendants, they were negligent in many ways, according to the complaint.
A count of conspiracy against defendant Metropolitan Life touches on that company's alleged cover-up of information a group of scientists discovered about the dangers of asbestos exposure.
In all, the lawsuit brings five counts against defendants.
As a result of the alleged behavior of the defendants, the suit claims, the plaintiff developed lung cancer, he has become liable for medical bills to treat his condition, he will continue to experience physical pain and mental anguish, and he can no longer work to his previous ability.
In addition to compensatory damages, the plaintiff seeks from the defendants punitive and exemplary damages in excess of $50,000 for each of the five counts. He is represented by Randy D. Gori of Gori, Julian & Associates PC in Edwardsville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-109