BELLEVILLE — A couple is suing dozens of companies, alleging failure to warn and negligence in the use of asbestos fibers.
Charles W. Payne and Christina Payne filed a complaint Nov. 29 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Abb Inc., 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 Charles Payne's employment career, he was exposed to and inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers emanating from certain products manufactured, sold, distributed or installed by the defendants. The suit says on Feb. 26, he first became aware that he had developed lung cancer, an asbestos-induced disease, and that the disease was wrongfully caused.
The plaintiffs allege 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.
The Paynes seek trial by jury, compensatory and punitive damages of more than $50,000, court costs and all further appropriate relief. They are represented by attorney Randy L. Gori of Gori, Julian & Associates PC in Edwardsville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 18-L-762