Suit alleges man's lung disease was caused by asbestos exposure

A woman who claims her husband died from lung disease as a result of asbestos exposure is suing dozens of companies.

Sarita N. Ostos, as independent administrator of the Estate of Edmund E. Ostos, filed a complaint Nov. 26 in Cook County Circuit Court against A.W. Chesterton Co., H.B. Fuller Co. and others.

According to the complaint, Edmund was employed from 1947 to 1994 in various capacities, including as a auto mechanic, at different locations and during his employment he was exposed to products containing asbestos. He also was exposed while serving in the U.S. Navy, the suit states.

Ostos says Edmund was diagnosed with asbestosis on Jan. 7, and died in June. She blames the defendants, alleging they were aware or should have been aware of the potential risks of long-term asbestos exposure and failed to minimize those risks.

She seeks damages in excess of jurisdictional amount, plus court costs, and is represented by attorney Matthew J. Adair of Cooney & Conway in Chicago.

Cook County Circuit Court case number: 2014L012351.

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.