Woman sues dozens of asbestos companies over late husband's mesothelioma

The widow of a former mechanic is suing over allegations asbestos exposure caused her husband's mesothelioma.

Ruth M. Carlton, as independent executor of the Estate of Ellis D. Carlton, filed suit Sept. 16 in Cook County Circuit Court against Joy Technologies Inc., Henry Pratt Co., Pneumo-Abex, and dozens of other companies.

According to the complaint, Ellis was exposed to asbestos in products manufactured, sold, distributed, marketed, or installed by the defendant companies between 1952 and 1979, during which time he worked as a mechanic, insulation deliveryman and home remodeler.

Carlton claims Ellis died from mesothelioma on June 21. Her suit includes counts alleging negligence, premises liability and conspiracy.

She is represented by Michael T. Egan of Cooney & Conway in Chicago.

Cook County Circuit Court case number: 2014L009629.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court. 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.