BELLEVILLE — A widow is suing about three dozen companies that used asbestos products, alleging failure to warn and negligence in the death of her husband.
Christina Cronin, individually and as special representative for the estate of William J. Cronin, deceased, filed a complaint Dec. 3 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against the nearly three dozen defendants, alleging failure to exercise reasonable care and caution for the safety of others.
According to the complaint, at various times during William Cronin's work career, which started in 1969, he was exposed to and inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers emanating from certain products manufactured, sold, distributed or installed by defendants. On Dec. 5, 2016, the suit says, Cronin first became aware that he had developed lung cancer, an asbestos-induced disease, and that the disease was wrongfully caused. He died Dec. 23, 2016.
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.
Christina Cronin seeks trial by jury, compensatory and economic damages of more than $50,000 and all further just and equitable 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-772