Former Steelworker Files Large Asbestos Suit

February 16, 2007 - A Minnesota man has filed an asbestos lawsuit in an Illinois court of law against 100 defendants, alleging he was exposed to the hazardous material for more than 40 years. 

Edwin Brekke worked from 1938 to 1982 as a steelworker, laborer and boiler operator at various locations.  Brekke was diagnosed with mesothelioma in September 2006.  According to the Madison-St. Clair Record, "the plaintiff's exposure and inhalation, ingestion or absorption of the asbestos fibers was completely foreseeable and could or should have been anticipated by the defendants," the complaint states.

Brekke claims the defendants “knew or should have known that the asbestos fibers contained in their products had a toxic, poisonous and highly deleterious effect upon the health of people” and that “the defendants included asbestos in their products even when adequate substitutes were available and failed to provide any or adequate instructions concerning the safe methods of working with and around asbestos.”

He also claims that the defendants “failed to require and advise employees of hygiene practices designed to reduce or prevent carrying asbestos fibers home.”

Brekke’s lawyers say he is suing the defendants for a minimum of $650,000 for “negligence, willful and wanton acts, conspiracy, and negligent spoliation of evidence,” among other allegations.