BELLEVILLE — A couple is suing several industrial companies after the husband allegedly was exposed to asbestos in the workplace.
Howard and Janelle Depriest filed a complaint on Oct. 11, in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against ArvinMeritor Inc., Cooper Industries and Formosa Plastics Corp., USA, et al., alleging that they failed to use reasonable care and caution for the safety of others.
The plaintiffs allege that during Howard Depriest's career, beginning in 1953, he was exposed to and inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers from certain products manufactured, sold, distributed or installed by the defendants.
He learned on June 8 he had developed lung cancer, which has been attributed to asbestos exposure, according to court documents.
He has suffered great pain and anguish. He has had large medical expenses. The plaintiffs holds Arvinmeritor Inc., Cooper Industries and Formosa Plastics Corp., USA, et al, responsible, because the defendants allegedly negligently included asbestos fibers in their products when adequate substitutes were available.
The defendants also are accused of failing to provide adequate warnings and instructions on the dangers of working with or around products containing asbestos fibers.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek compensatory damages of more than $50,000 and all further relief as the court deems just and equitable.
They are represented by Randy L. Gori of Gori, Julian & Associates PC in Edwardsville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 18-L-667