A Belleville couple is suing several major manufacturing companies, alleging the companies caused one of them to develop asbestos lung disease.

Companies named in the asbestos lawsuit include Air & Liquid Systems Corp., Aurora Pump Co., CBS Corp., Crown Cork & Seal Co. Inc., Flowserve Corp., and FMC Corp. Each of has been accused of failing to warn consumers against potential complications associated with their asbestos-containing products.

Plaintiff couple Wayne S. and Dixie S. filed an asbestos lawsuit in the St. Clair County Circuit Court, alleging the manufacturing companies’ products had caused asbestos lung disease. The couple claims that the companies failed to disclose the potential damages their products could cause, and that the companies did not exercise public safety measures.

Asbestos is a fibrous material that used to be used in numerous construction and insulation applications. Many older Navy ships used asbestos for insulation systems, and manufacturing companies often used asbestos in a number of their products.

After it was discovered asbestos could cause long term health complications, the use of asbestos was almost completely stopped.

While asbestos is not particularly dangerous in its dormant state, the fibrous material can become a dangerous health hazard once released into the air. Once inhaled or swallowed, asbestos can be lodged in the lungs and eventually cause disease. However, asbestos lung disease can take between 20 to 50 years to develop into a stage where symptoms are exhibited, often resulting in a late diagnosis.

Manufacturing companies are required to warn residents and employees of asbestos health risks, and to provide disclosures for their products.

Overview of Asbestos Lung Disease Lawsuit

According to the couple’s asbestos lawsuit, Wayne had discovered that he had developed asbestos lung cancer on Nov. 4, 2016. Wayne alleges the companies products had directly contributed to the development of his asbestos lung cancer, as he inhaled the asbestos fibers from the products he used.

Dixie is filing this asbestos lawsuit alongside her husband, claiming loss of consortium. The couple alleges the companies are directly responsible for the asbestos lung disease development, as Wayne’s disease was completely avoidable.

Furthermore, the companies failed to warn the couple and the general public against asbestos lung disease and other potential health hazards linked to asbestos exposure. Wayne and Dixie are seeking over $50,000 in compensatory damages.

This Asbestos Lawsuit is Case No. 17-L-172, in the St. Clair Circuit Court.