Man with mesoethelioma names dozens of companies in asbestos suit

A man diagnosed with mesothelioma is suing dozens of companies, claiming their products exposed him to asbestos.

Herbert M. Hargett filed a lawsuit March 7 in the Cook County Court against A.W. Chesterton Co., Crane Co., H.B. Fuller Co. and dozens of others, citing asbestos exposure.

Hargett claims he was exposed to asbestos while working as a plant worker, educator and home remodeler with or around products manufactured and distributed by the defendants from 1950 to 1979.

The suit alleges he was diagnosed mesothelioma on Nov. 7, and that the disease was a direct result of his exposure to asbestos.

Hargett is seeking damages in an amount in excess of jurisdictional minimum and court costs. He is being represented in the case by Chicago attorney Michael T. Egan of Cooney & Conway.

Cook County Court Case No. 2014L002790.

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, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.