BELLEVILLE — A former machine operator is suing dozens of companies that used asbestos products, alleging failure to warn and negligence.
Sadie Burks filed a complaint Nov. 19 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Dow Chemical, CBS, Goodyear Tire and dozens of other companies, alleging failure to exercise reasonable care and caution for the safety of others.
According to the complaint, at various times during Burks' working career that started in 1969, she was exposed to and inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers emanating from certain products manufactured, sold, distributed or installed by defendants. On April 17, Burks says she first became aware that she had developed lung cancer, which can be caused by exposure to asbestos products.
The suit says Burks has been disfigured, has suffered great pain and anguish and become liable for large sums of monies for medical expenses.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants 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 these fibers.
Burks seeks trial by jury, actual and compensatory damages of more than $50,000, plus court costs and any further just and equitable relief. She is represented by attonrey Randy L. Gori of Gori, Julian & Associates PC in Edwardsville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court Case number 18-L-735