ST. LOUIS – A widow has filed a wrongful death suit against several companies in Missouri over allegations their products caused her late husband's lung cancer.
Barbara Klem, individually and as surviving heir of the estate of William Klem, deceased filed a complaint on July 16, in the St. Louis 22nd Judicial Circuit Court against Crown, Cork & Seal USA Inc.; Hercules Inc.; Union Carbide Corp.; et al. alleging wrongful death.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that at various times during William Klem's employment and military career from 1965 to 1979, he was exposed to and inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers emanating from certain products manufactured, sold, distributed or installed by defendants. The suit states that on or about July 26, 2016, decedent first became aware that he developed lung cancer, an asbestos-induced disease. He passed away on Jan. 13, the suit states.
The plaintiff holds the defendants responsible because the defendants allegedly negligently included asbestos fibers in their products when adequate substitutes were available and failed to provide adequate warnings and instructions concerning the dangers of working with or around products containing asbestos fibers.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks compensatory damages of no less than $50,000, plus costs, interest and any further relief as the court may deem just and equitable. She is represented by Benjamin R. Schmickle and Matthew C. Morris of SWMW Law LLC in St. Louis.
St. Louis 22nd Judicial Circuit Court case number 1822-CC10773