John McTaggart, the founder of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, passed away on November 4 from mesothelioma. He was 79 years old. First diagnosed with mesothelioma in April of 2007, McTaggart was told he had just 30 months to live. According to an article in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News, McTaggart’s family members said that he had undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatments “with an upbeat attitude” and functioned so well with it that they thought, “He’s just going to live on forever.” Sadly, his health began to decline, and his wife remarked that she thought he had decided “enough is enough.”

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can be caused by asbestos exposure. There is no cure for it, only treatment. Victims of mesothelioma must deal with quite a bit of pain and suffering — and so do their loved ones. The cancer develops very quickly and attacks the lining of various organs of the body, including the lungs. Though mesothelioma develops quickly, it can take decades after asbestos exposure for symptoms to become noticeable. So all too often, people do not realize the cause of their illness.

Mr. McTaggart was a notable man who accomplished so much in his life and is remembered fondly by his family, friends and all who knew him. He was a city councilman for 20 years and served as mayor four times. A resident of Rancho Palos Verdes since 1962, he is credited as being instrumental in the city’s founding and never stopped being devoted to the community. He will certainly be missed.

Mesothelioma Victim’s Rights

If you or a loved one have mesothelioma, know your rights. Having it can result in tremendous medical bills as well as undue stress, pain and suffering for not just the victim, but the victim’s loved ones. To speak with a resource person further about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure, feel free to call 1-888-370-0121.

A story out today in The Buffalo News talks about a recent trial involving asbestos exposure. The trial lasted six weeks, and the jury ordered Fisher Controls, an industrial company based in St. Louis, to pay $2.25 million to the estate of a man who died of mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure.

The man, Ronald Drabczyk, worked on valves manufactured by Fisher Controls from 1970 through 1988. These valves contained asbestos gaskets and packing, exposing Drabczyk to asbestos for many years. Nine years after retiring from the Niagara Falls plant at which he worked, Drabczyk died of mesothelioma. He was 70 years old.

According to the Buffalo News article, the jury found that Fisher Controls had “acted with reckless disregard for Drabczyk’s workplace safety.” For that reason, they were “100 perfect financially responsible for his painful death under New York law.” The jury’s verdict includes a $750,000 punitive damages award, and anticipate that Fisher Controls will appeal to reduce the total.

Jordan Fox, trial attorney, remarked that they hoped the verdict of this case will “send a message that these actions will not be tolerated.”

The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that attacks the lining of various organs in the body. Although there is treatment available, there is no cure. Mesothelioma is often called “asbestos cancer” due to so many people getting it from asbestos exposure.

Since asbestos is a mineral that was used for years in products like houshold appliances and floor tiles, there are several industries affected by it — and the workers in these industries may have been exposed to asbestos. This undoubtedly puts them at risk for mesothelioma.

If you or a loved one are suffering from mesothelioma, don’t hesitate to call us for more information. You could be entitled to compensation for your suffering. Call 1-888-370-0121 for more information.