In a significant legal development, a California resident has filed a lawsuit against multiple corporations, alleging exposure to asbestos that resulted in severe health consequences. The complaint was lodged by Stefan Asparuhov on March 31, 2025, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, targeting several companies including ACCO Brands USA LLC and John Crane, Inc.
The case centers around allegations that these corporations negligently exposed Asparuhov to asbestos during his employment from 1976 to 1979 at General Binding Corporation and Avon Manufacturing in Illinois. Asparuhov claims that the defendants failed to warn him about the dangers of asbestos exposure and did not provide adequate safety measures or instructions. According to the filing, “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 persons inhaling or otherwise being exposed to them.” The plaintiff asserts that this negligence led to his diagnosis with mesothelioma in March 2024.
Asparuhov’s lawsuit accuses the defendants of violating various legal obligations under Illinois law by failing to exercise reasonable care for his safety. The complaint highlights numerous alleged failures by the defendants, such as including asbestos in their products despite knowing its carcinogenic nature and not providing sufficient warnings or safe handling instructions. It is argued that these actions directly contributed to Asparuhov’s illness and subsequent suffering.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages exceeding $50,000 for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other related losses. Additionally, he demands accountability for negligent spoliation of evidence by some defendants who allegedly destroyed documents crucial for proving his claims. This destruction is said to have impaired Asparuhov’s ability to seek full compensation from all liable parties.
This article was first published in Cook County Record.
