Former fireman lodges asbestos suit over mesothelioma

A former fireman is suing dozens of companies, claiming that exposure to their asbestos-containing products led to mesothelioma.

Paul Henk filed a lawsuit May 22 in Cook County Circuit Court against A.W. Chesterton Co., H.B. Fuller Co., Union Carbide Corp. and other companies.

According to the complaint, Henk worked in various capacities, including as a fireman, from 1945 to 1990 and was exposed to and inhaled, ingested or otherwise absorbed asbestos fibers from products the defendants manufactured, distributed or sold.

The plaintiff contends he was diagnosed with mesothelioma ib April 7 as a result of his exposure to the asbestos-containing products.  He further claims the defendants knew or should have known the dangers associated with asbestos exposure.

Henk is seeking damages in excess of jurisdictional limits, plus court costs, and is represented by attorney Daniel T. Ryan of Cooney & Conway.

Cook County Circuit Court Case No. 2014L005489.

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.