BELLEVILLE — A former welder claims several manufacturers hid the dangers of asbestos exposure.
Benson Leamon Saucier filed a complaint on July 27 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against the companies, including 3M Company, Honeywell International and John Crane Inc.
According to the complaint, Saucier worked as a welder for Irby's Steel in Gulfport, Mississippi from 1965 to 2005. During this time, Saucier claims he came into contact with asbestos fibers from products made by a host of companies at the time. In July 2016, Saucier learned he had a type of lung cancer consistent with asbestos exposure.
He claims the companies failed to provide adequate warnings and instructions concerning the dangers of working with or around products containing asbestos fibers.
Saucier seeks a jury trial and more than $50,000. He is represented by Ethan A. Flint and Laci M. Whitley of Flint Law Firm in Edwardsville, IL.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 18-L-510