Electrician with mesothelioma sues companies over alleged asbestos exposure

A former electrician is suing over claims repeated exposure to asbestos resulted in mesothelioma.

Jesse S. Cruz filed an asbestos litigation complaint March 14 in the Cook County Circuit Court against A.W. Chesterton Co. and several dozen other defendants.

According to the complaint, Cruz worked in various capacities, including an electrician, from 1956 until 1979, during which time he was exposed to asbestos containing products.

Cruz contends the defendants were negligent and knew or should have known asbestos could cause injury or death. He developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure, the suit asserts.

The plaintiff is asking for damages in excess of jurisdictional minimums, plus costs, and is being represented by Michael T. Egan of Cooney & Conway.

Cook County Circuit Court Case No. 2014L003047.

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.