When former power plant worker Gerald Sylvestre filed a lawsuit against the company that knowingly exposed him and his coworkers to the deadly carcinogen asbestos, the outcome provided several benefits.
Not only was Sylvestre awarded the largest asbestos damage verdict in New England’s history, he was able to tell the story of the wrong that had been done to him and his family.
The mesothelioma lawsuit took place in Superior Court in Boston, and pitted Mr. Sylvestre against his former employer, New England Insulation of Canton, Massachusetts.
The jury determined Mr. Sylvestre and his family should receive $7.55 million in damages after hearing the details of his exposure, his illness, and New England Insulation’s role in his sickness.
The amount represents compensation for his past, present and anticipated medical expenses, as well as his pain and suffering and the financial and emotional losses that have been and will be experienced by his family and loved ones.
New England Insulation has been named in previous mesothelioma lawsuits. The company distributed and installed asbestos insulation until the early 1970s, when it became public knowledge that the material was a carcinogen.
Court records and evidence showed that the company was aware of the fact that asbestos was hazardous to its workers and those who were exposed to their products, yet they chose to do nothing to protect them or to warn them of the hazards of coming into contact with the asbestos.
Speaking of the outcome of the trial, Mr. Sylvestre said, “No one should have to go through this illness, and I particularly hate the suffering it has caused my family, especially because it could have been prevented. My wife and I were very happy with the verdict, but what meant the most was that we got to tell our story and the jury heard it and responded as they did.”
Every mesothelioma victim deserves the chance to be tell his or her story and to have access to the support and resources that they need. The Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net understand that, and we are here to help in whatever way we can. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
