Former laborer blames asbestos companies for mesothelioma

A former laborer is suing dozens of companies over claims their asbestos-containing products caused his lung disease.

James L. Pangrazio filed a lawsuit Feb. 17 in Cook County Circuit Court against A.W. Chesterton Co., H.B. Fuller Co., Union Carbide Corp., and more than 20 other companies.

According to the complaint, Pangrazio was exposed to asbestos between 1947 and 1979, during which time he worked near the defendants’ products as a maintenance mechanic and powerhouse operator. He claims the exposure led him to develop mesothelioma, which he became aware of on Dec. 3, 2014.

Pangrazio alleges the defendants knew or should have known their products contained asbestos and would result in physical harm, and failed to provide adequate warnings about the dangers of asbestos exposure.

He is represented by attorney Timothy G. Martin of Cooney & Conway in Chicago.

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 represents only one side of the story.