ST. LOUIS – Family members of a deceased Mississippi man alleges his exposure to silica dust during his career caused illness that led to his death.
Ruby Crayton, et al., individually and as wrongful death beneficiaries of James Washington, deceased, filed a complaint on May 11 in the St. Louis Circuit Court against 3M Co., Pangborn LLC, American Optical Corp., et al. alleging product liability, breach of warranty and other counts.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that during the course of Washington's career at two foundries in St. Louis and Mississippi, he was continuously exposed to silica dust while using defendants' respiratory protection. As a result of defendants' allegedly defective product, the suit states he developed silicosis and lung cancer, which caused his death.
The plaintiffs hold 3M Co., Pangborn LLC, American Optical Corp., et al. responsible because the defendants' respiratory protection failed to protect Washington from inhaling silica dust.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek actual damages of more than $75,000, punitive damages of more than $20 million, plus interest, costs and any further relief as the court may deem proper and just. They are represented by James G. Onder and William W. Blair of OnderLaw LLC in St. Louis.
St. Louis Circuit Court case number 1822-CC00957