$15.6 Million Awarded to Nevada Electrician with Mesothelioma

A Nevada jury hearing the case of an electrician afflicted with malignant mesothelioma awarded $15.6 million in compensation to the man and his family. The defendant in the case was Eaton Corporation, an electrical supply company. 

Career Electrician’s Mesothelioma Blamed on Asbestos in Components

The mesothelioma victim in the recently resolved case is John Wagner, an electrician who worked in industrial, commercial and residential settings for over fifty years. When Mr. Wagner was diagnosed with the rare form of cancer, he filed product liability lawsuits against multiple defendants, including Eaton Corporation. 

During the course of the trial, the jury heard testimony about the mesothelioma victim having worked with motor starters and controllers that had been manufactured by Eaton/Cutler-Hammer, and how sanding, filing and manipulating the plastic-molded housings and arc shields for those parts had resulted in asbestos fibers becoming airborne. Over his many years of working with those parts he breathed in countless asbestos fibers, which became lodged in the cells of his pleural lining. Those cells eventually died and mutated into malignant tumors.

Asbestos Company’s Expert Witnesses Denied Role in Mesothelioma

Though Eaton’s attorneys used expert witness testimony to raise questions about their products’ role in his illness, the jury agreed with Mr. Wagner’s attorneys, who said, “To be an electrician, you must be able to identify and anticipate potential dangers, and John was an exceptional electrician who was skilled at navigating known life-threatening risks. The asbestos content in these products was only known to Eaton, and the company made a business decision not to share that information. Because of that, a dedicated craftsman like John could not take the necessary precautions to protect himself.”

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, the first step to obtaining justice is to identify the source of your exposure to asbestos. The Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net have the tools and resources you need. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more about how we can help. 

Written by Terri Oppenheimer

Terri Heimann Oppenheimer is the head writer of our Mesothelioma.net news blog. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in English. Terri believes that knowledge is power and she is committed to sharing news about the impact of mesothelioma, the latest research and medical breakthroughs, and victims’ stories.

Learn more about and contact Terri