Survivors Settle $17 Million Lawsuit over Two Mesothelioma Deaths
By Jim Greene
Published on January 20, 2010
The families of two men who died of mesothelioma received settlements from two of the men's former employers just before a Philadelphia jury was to award $17 million in the case. The men were employed making gaskets and valves that contained asbestos.
Crane Co. entered a confidential settlement agreement just as the jury was returning to the courtroom with its verdict. The remaining defendant, Garlock Sealing Technologies, agreed to a confidential settlement after incriminating evidence was presented while the jury was hearing evidence about that company's individual liability.
Both families were represented by Denyse Clancy, shareholder of the Dallas-based law firm Baron & Budd, PC.
Mesothelioma Damages Lining of Internal Organs
The mesothelioma that killed both men is a form of cancer caused by breathing in asbestos particles, which are spread through the bloodstream and affect the lining of internal organs. Damage to the lining of the lungs and adjacent chest walls is the most common cause of death, although some victims succumb to damage to the heart or the walls of the abdomen.
The World Health Organization has called asbestos exposure the most common cause of work-related deaths.
The evidence that elicited a settlement from Garlock was a document that showed the company's awareness that its products could cause mesothelioma. During the trial, the company had denied the possibility, although its gaskets were shown to contain 75 to 90 percent asbestos.
If you have mesothelioma or have lost a family member to the disease, you need to contact an experienced personal injury/wrongful death attorney. There is little room for doubt that asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma. The medical bills and loss of income resulting from the disease can ruin a family's finances. Those who manufacture products containing asbestos and use those products in other industries should be held liable for damages.
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