Jury Awards More than $14.5 Million in Asbestos Case

A jury has awarded more than $14.5 million to a former steamfitter who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in March of 2016. In the suit filed April 11, 2016, the plaintiff claimed

he developed mesothelioma from occupational and para occupational (secondhand) exposure to asbestos. Now 68, the plaintiff said that he was exposed to asbestos while performing home improvement projects at work from 1967-1976. He worked on several new construction projects where he either used asbestos-containing products or worked near contractors who used products that contained asbestos.

The suit was filed against two major manufacturers of sheet metal and other building materials that contained asbestos. Though the manufacturing companies refused to admit any liability in the case, after a three-week trial, the jury returned a verdict against the manufacturers citing multiple counts of negligence and strict liability. The financial breakdown of the more than $14.5 million verdict is as follows:

• $10 million in noneconomic damages
• $1.25 million in economic damages
• $318,000 in past medical expenses
• $3 million for loss of consortium

Sources

Maryland Daily Record. BridgeTower Media, 21 Feb. 2017. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.