In a recent landmark decision, a Mississippi jury awarded the highest-ever settlement in the history of asbestos related injury cases and mesothelioma settlements. Thomas Brown, Jr., a 48-year-old oil field worker, was awarded $322 million for suffering, expenses and punitive damages. The defendants in the case, Chevron Phillips Chemical and Union Carbide Corporation, allegedly continued putting workers at risk even after the dangers of asbestos exposure were well known.

Brown, working in the oil fields for several years in the 1970’s and 80’s, claims he inhaled asbestos dust on a regular basis when mixing drilling mud that was sold by Chevron Phillips Chemical and manufactured by Union Carbide. He has since developed a serious condition known as asbestosis, a disease that causes lung scarring and may become worse with time. Brown requires oxygen 24 hours a day, limiting his mobility and ability to work. Apparently at issue was Brown’s inability to read the warning labels and signs posted by the company. The companies’ spokespeople vehemently denied the claims and stated that there were plans for an appeal.

Regardless of the eventual outcome of this particular case, the large settlement may send a strong message to companies who are not keenly focused on the health and safety of workers. Prior to this case, the largest settlement, in an amount over $200 million, resulted from a class-action suit that took place in Illinois. The next highest settlement occurred in March of this year, when $90 million was awarded to Charles Gillenwater. Since the first asbestos-related injury case in 1929, hundreds of thousands of people have filed lawsuits against thousands of defendants. But this is the largest known settlement to date.  For more information about victim’s rights, visit our page on mesothelioma victim’s rights.

According to the EPA, exposure to asbestos can be a cause of mesothelioma or lead to other cancers or asbestosis, as in Brown’s case. Exposure to asbestos can be particularly dangerous because of the long latency period of the diseases associated with asbestos exposure. A worker may expose themselves repeatedly for years before any symptoms arise. Once symptoms do arise, for many people the diagnosis is unfortunately terminal. Our mesothelioma articles provide useful information to anyone interested in finding out more about mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases.

A recent article in the Southeast Texas Record talks about a woman from Henderson County in Texas who has filed a lawsuit over her deceased husband’s asbestos exposure. She claims that her husband’s lung cancer was wrongfully caused. From 1963 to 1998, the man worked for Union Oil Company, where he was exposed to asbestos — his wife alleges that his disease was caused from this, and that he “did not know of the hazards of asbestos exposure,” according to the article.

Diagnosed with lung cancer in April 2008, the man died of it on April 27, 2008. His wife noted that he had experienced pain, suffering and mental anguish. Additionally, they had incurred medical costs. She is seeking “general, special, punitive and exemplary damages, plus costs, interests and other relief to which she may be entitled,” according to the article.

There are eight defendant corporations involved in the suit: Westinghouse Electric Co., Ametek, Able Supply, Guardline, Jett Weld Inc., Union Oil Company of California and Champlain Cable Corp. The woman states that these corporations did not adequately warn her husband of the health hazards of asbestos exposure, and they failed to provide him working apparel that was safe and adequate, take “reasonable precaution to enforce a safety plan,” eliminate asbestos exposure in the workplace by developing a substitute material, and market safe-to-use asbestos products.

Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure in the workplace is very dangerous and can lead to mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer that has no cure. Victims of mesothelioma often do not realize that asbestos exposure they suffered in the workplace is the cause of their illness, as it sometimes takes decades to show up. But after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, victims often do not have much time left.

If you or a loved one have mesothelioma as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney to find out what to do next. You may be entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering and medical costs. To speak to a resource person, just call 1-888-370-0121.

A former employee of Harrah’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas says he is sick from asbestos exposure while on the job. His three-year-old son is suffering as well — his father says what’s in the boy’s lungs makes him have trouble breathing. The man is suing the resort for $10 million.

Asbestos exposure while on the job can be extremely dangerous, and it can result in Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that attacks the lining of various organs and areas of the body such as the heart, lungs and abdomen. There is currently no cure for Mesothelioma. Victims have to deal with economic hardship along with pain and suffering.

Used for many years in thousands of different products, Asbestos is a mineral that, when disturbed, releases tiny fibers that travel deep into the lungs when inhaled. In the lungs, these fibers can cause scarring, called asbestosis. Asbestos fibers can cause Mesothelioma along with lung, colon and larynx cancer. Damage caused by asbestos dust happens over many years, which explains why Mesothelioma and asbestosis are called progressive diseases.

According to a news story from Fox 5 Vegas, OSHA had warned Harrah’s about the dangers — a dozen serious violations involving asbestos are shown on inspection reports. The man filing the lawsuit said he thinks what made his son sick is that he brought the asbestos fibers home with him from work, probably on his clothing. He said in the story that every employee was affected, from housekeeping workers to cocktail waitresses to the customers, when they didn’t do the asbestos abatement.

Getting Help After Asbestos Exposure

If you’ve experienced asbestos exposure, it’s important to get help. If you have Mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. Hiring a qualified, experienced Mesothelioma lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. To speak with someone and find out more, don’t hesitate to call 1-888-370-0121.