Former laborer alleges asbestos exposure caused lung disease

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

Stephen B. Gould filed a lawsuit March 12 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, Gould was exposed to asbestos between 1972 and 1999, during which time he worked as an installer and lineman and was exposed to the defendants' products. He claims the exposure led him to develop asbestosis, which he became aware of on July 11, 2014.

Gould claims 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 Matthew J. Adair of Cooney & Conway in Chicago.