Former carpenter, machinist mate files claim over mesothelioma

A former carpenter who says he developed mesothelioma as a result of long-term exposure to asbestos is suing.

Kenneth D. Smith Jr. filed suit Nov. 4 in Cook County Circuit Court against A.W. Chesterton Co., H.B. Fuller Co., Union Carbide Corp. and dozens of others.

According to the complaint, Smith was a machinist mate and carpenter at various locations between 1964 to 1979, during which time he was exposed to and inhaled, ingested or otherwise absorbed asbestos fibers from products made by the defendants.

Smith alleges the defendants knew or should have known of the dangers of asbestos materials and should have taken proper safety precautions to ensure the safety of those working around their products.

Smith says he was diagnosed with mesothelioma on June 25, 2013. He is seeking damages and is being represented by Timothy G. Martin of Cooney & Conway in Chicago.

Cook County Circuit Court case number: 2014L011434.

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