Suit on dead worker's behalf names Warren

WARREN -- A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a former Warren Water Pollution and Control worker against the city of Warren, saying the worker's exposure to toxic gases caused his death.
The suit was filed by Deanna Curie, executrix of the estate of John Knepp III, of Warren, against the city, its director of water pollution and 10 John Does. It was filed Thursday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.
The suit says Knepp worked for the department from August 1991 until his death on Sept. 7, 2004.
While working, Knepp was exposed to toxic gases, vapors, fumes or other noxious gases by virtue of his job, the suit said, adding that these exposures "directly ... caused his death."
The suit also named 10 John Does, who it said were engaged in the business of manufacturing, fabricating or otherwise placing chemicals in the "stream of commerce to which [Knepp] was exposed during his employment."
The suit seeks an amount of more than $25,000.
Greg Hicks, Warren law director, could not be reached to comment.