An elderly California man who spent decades working as a laborer for Masonite Corporation has been awarded a $3 million court verdict after presenting evidence about his malignant mesothelioma diagnosis, and the years of asbestos exposure that he suffered. The jury found that D.W. Nicholson Corporation, a contracting company that specialized in the installation of mechanical, electrical and piping equipment was responsible for his terminal illness.
Man’s mesothelioma caused by shoddy clean-up by contractor
The case centered on 80-year-old Ervan Groves, who was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma after having worked in Masonite Corporation’s plate and wire department for the years between 1964 and 1999. During that time he worked in Ukiah at Masonite’s Ukiah location, and D.W. Nicholson performed contracting jobs there. According to evidence presented at trial, Groves was frequently exposed to asbestos that had been left behind by the contractor. The jury was told that the company had not only failed to warn the employees who were exposed to the carcinogenic material that it was dangerous: they also failed to clean up asbestos that was left behind, further subjecting the employees to the risk of asbestos-related diseases.
Mesothelioma is a preventable disease
In addressing the jury in a written statement, Mr. Groves and his wife Jo Ann spoke of the devastation that his malignant mesothelioma had caused within their family, as well as of his disappointment that his condition could have been prevented had D.W. Nicholson exercised any level of caution or concern for Masonite employees: “Being diagnosed with cancer was devastating. But it was even more upsetting to learn that contractor D.W. Nicholson cut corners when it came to protecting my health and safety.” He indicated that the $3 million jury verdict would be used to help pay for his medical bills, as well as to ensure that the family he is leaving behind is financially secure when he is gone.
Malignant mesothelioma is an entirely preventable disease, and it wreaks havoc on the families that it affects. If somebody you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and you need assistance, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
