Following a one-week trial heard in a Spartanburg, South Carolina courtroom, a jury has awarded mesothelioma widow Melba Bolton a total of $1.75 million in compensation following the death of her husband, Curtis. Mrs. Bolton successfully accused John Crane, Inc. of negligence in his death from the asbestos-related disease.
John Crane, Inc. Found Guilty of Negligence in Mesothelioma Claim
The widow had accused John Crane, Inc. of negligence in the June 2022 mesothelioma death of her husband. She specifically pointed to his exposure to John Crane, Inc. gaskets during the years that he worked as a maintenance worker at the Celanese fiber plant in Spartanburg between 1971 and 1977.
John Crane, Inc. is frequently named as a defendant in mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disease lawsuits. Despite its knowledge of asbestos’ dangers, the company continued to manufacture many of its products with the carcinogenic material. Though the company argued that the man’s fatal illness had been caused by other asbestos-contaminated products he was exposed to within his work environment, the jury discounted that theory.
Jury Decision Favors Mesothelioma Widow
The mesothelioma widow had asked the jury to consider several charges against the asbestos manufacturer: she accused them of negligence as well as of strict liability and breach of implied warranty. Though they agreed with her that they had been negligent, they did not provide an award for strict liability or breach of implied warranty. They also found that the company had not engaged in willful, wanton, or reckless conduct, which eliminated the possibility of her receiving punitive damages.
The final resolution of the case saw Mrs. Bolton receiving $608,783 on survival claims, $532,433 for Mr. Bolton’s wrongful death from mesothelioma, and $608,783 for her loss of consortium.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 for more information.
