When people are first diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases, they’re often shocked to learn that they were exposed to asbestos by iconic companies like Ford Motor Company. That is exactly what happened to John Decastro, who was diagnosed with lung cancer after years of having maintained his Ford vehicles, whose parts were contaminated with the deadly carcinogen. Though Ford is a powerful adversary, Mr. Decastro and his wife found that the courts listen carefully and the law can create an even playing field, allowing victims to file lawsuits seeking compensation for the damages that they have suffered. The couple recently defeated Ford’s efforts to keep their case out of court and have been given the ability to proceed in their quest for justice.
The case involving Mr. Decastro and his wife is similar to many others filed by victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Mr. Decastro developed lung cancer after having been exposed to asbestos from multiple sources, including during his service in the United States Air Force and his employment with United Airlines and Pacific Bell Telephone. He also learned that he was exposed to asbestos during the many years that he serviced his own Ford vehicles and the vehicles owned by his friends. In the lawsuit that he and his wife filed against multiple defendants including Ford Motor Company, he provided testimony that he had performed repairs on at least eight different Ford vehicles, ranging from a 1935 Ford coupe, a 1938 Ford coupe, a 1936 Ford two-door, and many others. On all of these vehicles he performed extensive maintenance, including replacing engines, carburetors, changing transitions and replacing brakes, and the parts involved in those repairs included asbestos. Though Ford defended itself by arguing that they did not manufacture or supply the parts, the fact that their vehicles required those parts was enough for the court to allow them to be named as defendants in the suit. Ford’s motion for summary judgment was rejected by the court and the case will proceed for a jury to decide.
Being diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer is a frightening experience, but fortunately there are many resources available to help victims stand up for their rights. If you need information about your rights or the services available to you, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
