BELLEVILLE — A former mechanic is suing AK Steel Corp., Cabot Corp. and Warren Pumps, asbestos products manufacturers, citing alleged failure to warn and negligence.
James Baxley filed a complaint on Oct. 8, in St. Clair County Circuit Court, against the defendants alleging that they failed to show reasonable care and caution for the safety of others.
The plaintiff alleges that during his career beginning in 1957, he was exposed to, inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers emanating from certain products manufactured, sold, distributed or installed by defendants.
On Aug. 14, the plaintiff alleges he learned that he has lung cancer, which he attributes to asbestos exposure.
He allegedly has suffered pain and anguish and incurred medical expenses.
The plaintiff holds AK Steel Corp., Cabot Corp. and Warren Pumps responsible because the defendants allegedly negligently included asbestos fibers in their products when adequate substitutes were available, according to the lawsuit.
The plaintiff alleges that the defendants failed to provide adequate warnings and instructions on the dangers of working with or around products with asbestos fibers.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks compensatory and punitive damages of more than $50,000 and all further relief as the court may deem just and equitable.
He is represented by Randy L. Gori of Gori, Julian & Associates PC in Edwardsville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court Case number 18-L-660