Appeals Court Decides In Favor of Mesothelioma Victim’s Family Regarding $13 Million Jury Award

The family of a man who lost his battle with mesothelioma four long years ago received good news from a California appellate court last week: The court affirmed the $13 million verdict that a lower court jury had awarded to the family, denying Tyson Foods their assertion that the verdict should be overturned.

Mesothelioma Victim Exposed to Asbestos As A Child

The mesothelioma victim in the case was Mark Lopez, who died of the rare and deadly asbestos-related disease in 2015. Lopez had been exposed to asbestos as a result of his father having worked at a factory where the carcinogenic material was present. 

Lopez grew up in the company town of Betteravia, California, which was originally set up and owned by the Union Sugar Refining Company in the late 1890s. Hillshire Brands (a Tyson subsidiary) housed their employees in the same location, but did not provide safety precautions to protect either workers or their families from asbestos.

Appeals Court Rules That Sufficient Evidence Existed to Prove Asbestos Exposure

According to testimony in the original trial, the asbestos in the factory was brought into the Lopez home on the hair, skin and clothing of his father, as well as by his grandfather who also worked at the factory. In response to the evidence presented at trial, the original jury awarded Mr. Lopez’ family $2 million in economic damages and $11 million in noneconomic damages, but Tyson appealed that verdict, arguing that there was no evidence that he had experienced direct and/or secondary exposure to asbestos. The company has indicated that it may take further action to overturn the court’s decision.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, there are resources available to help support you throughout your ordeal. For information, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.

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