Jury Awards $1.9 million to Sheet Metal Worker Suffering from Peritoneal Mesothelioma

By Ramsay Crooks

Published on November 22, 2005

A San Francisco jury has awarded Genaro Garcia, a 71-year-old retired sheet metal worker, more than $1.9 million as a result of his on-the-job exposure to asbestos. 

Mr. Garcia worked as a sheet metal worker for Duro Dyne Corporation for 48 years. During his career at the company he was never told to wear any type of protection. According to testimony from experts, Mr. Garcia was exposed to hazardous levels of asbestos and each exposure contributed to his risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.

Mr. Garcia was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2002. After undergoing two years of chemotherapy treatment, his cancer is currently in remission.

The Duro Dyne Corporation claimed that chrysolite asbestos does not necessarily cause all mesothelioma and that Mr. Garcia was cured of the disease. The jury rejected this defense and awarded Mr. Garcia $325,369 for past and future medical expenses, $530,250 for lost earnings and $1.05 million in non-economic damages.

Comment on this article →