A.W. Chesterton, others sued over asbestos exposure

The spouse of a former aviation machinist is suing over claims repeated exposure to asbestos resulted in her husband developing mesothelioma and dying.

Mary Jean Kirkendall, as personal representative of the Estate of Leon J. Kirkendall, filed the asbestos litigation complaint Nov. 12 in Cook County Circuit Court against A.W. Chesterton Co. and other defendants.

The plaintiff alleges that from 1942 until 1977, Leon worked in various capacities, including aviation machinist mate, at various locations and was exposed to asbestos containing products.

Kirkendall contends the defendants were negligent and knew or should have known that asbestos exposure could cause injury or death. Leon, according to the suit, died on June 2, 2012 after developing mesothelioma.

She is seeking damages and is represented by Daniel T. Ryan of Cooney & Conway.

Cook County Circuit Court Case No. 2013L012419.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed at the Cook County Courthouse. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note that a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it represents only one side of the story.