Former auto mechanic blames dozens of companies for mesothelioma

A man is suing over claims his mesothelioma was caused by asbestos he was exposed to during his career as an auto mechanic and service in the Navy.

Michael and Linda Bezemek filed a lawsuit Sept. 15 in Cook County Circuit Court against Maremont Corp., Genuine Parts Co., Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. and dozens of other companies.

According to the complaint, Michael Bezemek was exposed to asbestos by products designed, manufactured, distributed, sold and marketed by the defendants during his employment as an auto mechanic from 1956 to 2005, his service in the U.S. Navy and in non-occupational work projects.

Bezemek was diagnosed with mesothelioma June 30, the suit alleges. He accuses the defendants of including asbestos in their products and failing to warn the public about the dangers related to asbestos exposure.

The Bezemeks are seeking damages and are being represented by attorney Daniel T. Ryan of Cooney & Conway in Chicago.

Cook County Circuit Court case number: 2014L009593.

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.