Last week, a 64-year-old California woman diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma was awarded $43 million in compensatory damages by a Los Angeles County jury. Deanne Warren and her husband Craig blamed Algoma Hardwoods Inc. for her fatal condition, accusing the company of negligence related to asbestos in its fireproof doors.
Woman’s Mesothelioma Blamed on Take-Home Asbestos Exposure
According to evidence presented to the jury, Mrs. Warren never personally worked with asbestos, but her husband Craig did in his work as a residential and commercial carpenter in the late 1970s, and later as a general contractor in the 1980s. During that time he worked with Algoma Hardwood’s doors, creating asbestos dust that adhered to his hair, skin, and clothing and which he later brought into the family home.
A family representative explained how Mrs. Warren was exposed to the asbestos that later caused her mesothelioma, saying, “She has never really worked in any capacity where she could have been exposed to asbestos. She was on-site at times, helping him on weekend jobs, but most of the exposure was take-home or household exposure. She did his laundry, so there was exposure there. Also, just staying in the home.”
Several Asbestos Companies Shared the Blame for Woman’s Mesothelioma
The $43 million in compensatory damages awarded to the mesothelioma victim is among the largest seen in recent years. Algoma Hardwoods, now owned by Masonite International Inc., was assigned 50% responsibility for the damages, with five other companies not present at trial also named: 18% of responsibility attributed to U.S. Plywood/Champion International Paper; 15% to Georgia Pacific; 10% to T.M. Cobb Co; 5% to Johnson & Johnson; and 2% to Black & Decker.
Though people have continued to be diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma over the last few years, there has been a marked slowdown in trial proceedings as a result of COVID restrictions. The court proceedings surrounding Mrs. Warren’s claim were largely unimpacted by the virus, and it is expected that other victims’ claims will begin to be heard again soon.
If you or someone you love has been impacted by asbestos, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
