Laborer alleges asbestos exposure caused mesothelioma

A former laborer is suing dozens of companies, alleging their asbestos-containing products caused her lung disease.

Mary Ann Leftwich 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, Leftwich was exposed to asbestos between 1964 and 1998, during which time she worked in automotive repairs, maintenance and remodeling and was exposed to the defendants’ products. She alleges the exposure led her to develop mesothelioma, which she became aware of Feb. 15.

She 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.

Leftwich is represented by attorney Matthew J. Adair of Cooney & Conway in Chicago.

Cook County Circuit Court case number: 2015L002546.