Asbestos exposure puts people at risk for several significant illnesses, with malignant mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and asbestosis representing the most commonly diagnosed. While mesothelioma, a rare and fatal form of cancer, is considered the most serious of these diseases, all three are life-changing. The degree to which even the least life-threatening of these illnesses can devastate a family was demonstrated in a Pennsylvania courtroom, where a Philadelphia jury awarded a 76-year-old asbestosis victim and his wife damages of $25 million.
Jury Trial More Common in Mesothelioma Claims Than Asbestosis Claims
Once diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease like malignant mesothelioma or asbestosis, victims make important decisions about their health journeys. They are also faced with important questions about whether to pursue justice against the companies responsible for their illness through the legal system. Victims who choose to file a personal injury claim often settle their cases out of court, though more mesothelioma claims end up in front of a jury than is true of asbestosis claims.
Asbestosis victim Richard Daciw was diagnosed with his illness after being exposed to asbestos in various settings: he served in the U.S. Navy as a fireman and shipfitter from 1965 to 1969, as a maintenance mechanic from 1969 to 1972, as a pipefitter and welder for Domino Sugar from 1972 to 1983, as a welder at Allied Chemical in 1983, and in maintenance roles at Smith Kline from 1983 to 2004.
Lawsuit Details Asbestosis Victim’s Exposure and Condition
The asbestosis victim named 55 defendants in his asbestosis claim, but when he went to trial, there was only one defendant – John Crane, Inc. The jury heard details of his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes and that he was fully oxygen-dependent because of his illness. They also heard about the various brands of gaskets, packing, pumps, valves, turbines, boilers, and cement products that exposed him to asbestos.
After ten days of testimony, the jury in the asbestosis claim awarded the victim $15 million in damages and an additional $10 million to his wife for loss of consortium. The verdict represents a significant departure for jury awards in Philadelphia; the jury in the last asbestosis case that went to trial was awarded $957,000, and the previous mesothelioma case heard there ended with a verdict of $3.8 million. The attorneys in the case believe that Mr. Daciw’s physical state played a large part in the jury’s decision.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help you assess your options. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
