BELLEVILLE — A widow is suing dozens of companies that used asbestos products, alleging failure to warn and negligence in the death of her husband.
Robbie Howe, individually and as special representative of the estate of Michael Howe, deceased, filed a complaint Nov. 16 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against dozens of defendants, alleging failure to exercise due care and caution for the safety of others.
According to the complaint, at various times during Michael Howe's life, he was exposed to and inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers emanating from certain products manufactured, sold, distributed or installed by defendants. On Sept. 21, 2017, the suit says, the decedent first became aware that he had developed lung cancer, an asbestos-induced disease. He died May 7, 2018.
Robbie Howe alleges she has been deprived of the companionship and service of her husband. The plaintiff alleges the defendants intentionally included asbestos fibers in their products when they knew that the fibers had toxic, poisonous and highly deleterious effect to human health. The suit says the defendants failed to provide adequate warnings and instructions concerning the dangers of working with or around products containing asbestos fibers.
Robbie Howe seeks trial by jury, compensatory and punitive damages of more than $50,000 and any further appropriate relief. She is represented by attorney Randy L. Gori of Gori, Julian & Associates PC in Edwardsville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court Case number 18-L-732