BELLEVILLE — A husband and wife are suing dozens of companies that used asbestos products, alleging failure to warn and negligence.
David Howicz and Mary Howicz filed a complaint Dec. 13 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against the dozens of defendants, alleging failure to exercise reasonable care and caution for the safety of others.
According to the complaint, at various times during David Howicz's work career that started in 1958, he was exposed to and inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers emanating from certain products manufactured, sold, distributed or installed by the defendants. On July 21, 2017, the suit says, Howicz first became aware that he had developed lung cancer, an asbestos-induced disease.
Howicz says he has suffered great pain and anguish and has become liable for large sums of monies for medical expenses. Mary Howicz alleges she has been deprived of her husband's companionship, society and services.
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 Howicezes seek trial by jury, compensatory damages of more than $50,000, plus court costs and all further just and equitable 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-807