BELLEVILLE – A former John Deere employee alleges exposure to asbestos from third parties caused him to develop lung cancer.
Frank Lane filed a complaint on Sept. 7 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Alfa Laval Inc., Armstrong International Inc., Blackmer Pump Co., et al. alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that he was exposed to asbestos-containing products manufactured or sold by the defendants during his career from 1959 to 1993. He also alleges he was exposed through his father, who was exposed to and inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers emanating from certain products manufactured, sold, distributed or installed by defendants.
As a result, he alleges he was wrongfully caused to develop lung cancer, an asbestos-induced disease. The suit states he learned of the diagnosis in March.
The plaintiff holds Alfa Laval Inc. Armstrong International Inc., Blackmer Pump Co., et al. responsible because the defendants allegedly negligently included asbestos fibers in their products when adequate substitutes were available and failed to provide adequate warnings and instructions concerning the dangers of working with or around products containing asbestos fibers.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages of more than $50,000. He is represented by Randy L. Gori of Gori, Julian & Associates PC in Edwardsville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 17-L-504