Less than two hours after the decision was handed to them, members of a Connecticut jury ordered R.T. Vanderbilt Holding Company to pay $15 million in damages to the family of a Connecticut man who died of malignant mesothelioma. The jury also indicated that punitive damages are appropriate in the case, suggesting that the award will increase substantially.
Mesothelioma Blamed on Talc Exposure at General Electric Plastics Facility
The mesothelioma claim was filed by the family of Nicholas Barone, a father of three who died in 2023 at the age of 81. Mr. Barone was a graduate of West Point, had served in the U.S. Army, and held a degree in chemical engineering. His survivors’ case sought to hold R. T. Vanderbilt Holding, Inc., responsible as the purchaser of International Talc. That company had provided talc to the General Electric plastics plant in Pittsford, Massachusetts where Mr. Barone had worked.
Though R. T. Vanderbilt had sought dismissal from the mesothelioma claim, the court denied their arguments against liability as successor in interest because the company continued the product line after its purchase. Evidence was presented at trial that the talc sold to General Electric came from the Arnold Pit in upstate New York, which is known to have been contaminated with asbestos.
Family Gratified by Jury’s Quick Decision
Malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases have claimed many lives, and the victims and their survivors who choose to pursue legal action are frequently faced with many challenges. Speaking of the jury’s quick decision about R.T. Vanderbilt’s liability in this case, Mr. Barone’s family representative said, “We are enormously grateful to the jurors who heard this case and who, through their verdict, are providing some measure of justice for Nick’s family.” The decision regarding the amount of the punitive damages award will be decided at a future date.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net have the resources you need. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
