In 2022, a Washington state jury awarded $5.75 million to the family of mesothelioma victim Thomas R. Sorrentino. Though the award was reduced to $4.7 million, Volkswagen AG appealed the decision, and after their argument against liability was rejected by an appeals court, they asked the state’s Supreme Court to review their case. Last week, that request was rejected, putting an end to the family’s legal journey and securing justice on their loved one’s behalf.
Mechanic’s Mesothelioma Death Blame on Workplace Exposure at VW Distributor
Mr. Sorrentino blamed his mesothelioma on the years he spent servicing brakes and clutches at United Volkswagen in Spokane, Washington, from 1972 to 1975. He filed suit against Volkswagen AG, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., and others in 2021 but died a month later. His estate assumed the case and won the $5.75 million award that was later reduced to $4.7 million.
Volkswagen AG was the sold defendant that appealed the mesothelioma verdict, arguing that its due process protections had been violated when the lower appellate court confirmed the trial court’s jurisdiction over the German automaker. That three-judge panel ruled that VW AG had significant control over its stateside distributors, pointing to VW AG requiring its U.S. dealers to follow the standards developed in Germany including training to make sure that service was consistent across all branches. Based on that practice, the appellate court said that the court had jurisdiction.
State Supreme Court’s Refusal to Review Case Ends Mesothelioma Journey
Although Volkswagen AG asked the state’s highest court to review the appellate court’s decision in the mesothelioma case, the justices of the Supreme Court declined the review. It was listed among several others included on the court’s March website posting. The decision puts an end to the legal journey for Sorrentino’s estate, leaving the $4.7 million award in place.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
