Jury Awards $10 Million to 79-Year-Old After Childhood Asbestos Exposure Led to Mesothelioma

A Washington state jury spent two weeks listening virtually to evidence in a mesothelioma lawsuit filed by a 79-year-old who’d been exposed to asbestos as a toddler. When it was all over, they awarded George Kraemer $10 million in damages, allowing the former assistant principal, middle school science teacher and coach to hold those responsible for his illness accountable.

Mesothelioma Victim Suffered Second-Hand Exposure to Asbestos Decades Earlier

George Kraemer’s mesothelioma lawsuit centered on his exposure to asbestos when he was a child growing up in Seattle. His father had worked for the Todd Shipyard in the months prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and continued to do so once the war began. The father of three used asbestos-contaminated wrapping to insulate pipes, and when he returned home the asbestos fibers remained on his clothing. 

George Kraemer’s mesothelioma was not the only tragedy caused by the asbestos his father worked with. The asbestos Charles worked with likely caused or contributed to his 1970 death from lung disease, and George’s brother was diagnosed with asbestosis in the 1980s. The suit was filed against Lone Star Industries, whose predecessor company Pioneer Sand & Gravel had supplied the contaminated insulation to the shipyard.

Mesothelioma’s Financial Burden Eased by $10 Million Award

Speaking of the verdict, the mesothelioma victim said, “We are grateful the court found in favor of our case. It set a precedent so others afflicted with this disease may find justice in the future. Our family has been through a lot in the past few years so the judgment will ease the financial medical burden, but moreover we’re just relieved to know those responsible have been held accountable. I was an innocent toddler when I was exposed to asbestos in my own home.”

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, the first step to justice is identifying the source of your exposure. The Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help with this and many other challenges. Contact us 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