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.