Mesothelioma Law Blog

A woman who reportedly developed mesothelioma due to washing her grandfather’s clothing when she was growing up has been awarded $20 million. As a result of washing her grandfather’s clothing, which was infested with asbestos since he was an insulation worker, the woman developed mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma lawsuit was filed by Jocelyn Farrar, 57, who works as a nursing professor at University of Maryland. Farrar claimed in the lawsuit that she developed mesothelioma, which is a fatal form of cancer due to second-hand asbestos exposure. Her grandfather reportedly carried the asbestos fibers home on his clothing that she washed each day.

Plaintiff’s Grandfather Victim of Workplace Exposure

John Hentgen, Farrar’s grandfather, worked with asbestos-laden insulation from Georgia Pacific Corp. during the late 60s. More than 40 years later, Farrar was diagnosed with mesothelioma and argued that the insulation manufacturer was responsible for her unexpected illness. As a result of her mesothelioma part of her lung had to be removed.

Just last week, a Baltimore City Circuit Court jury awarded Farrar $20,272,000, citing that Georgia Pacific was responsible for cancer. The award includes $18.5 million for non-economic damages, $1.6 million for lost wages and earning capacity, $97,000 for past medical expenses, and $75,000 for future medical costs she will be forced to pay for treatments.

Recent reports claim that the family of a man who recently passed away from mesothelioma is suing his former employers for wrongful exposure to the toxic substance known as asbestos. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure and often leads to death since no cure has been found yet. 
 
Asbestos Lawsuit Details
 
Brian Harrison was 71 when he was suddenly diagnosed with mesothelioma last December. It was just a few moths later that passed away, in April 2009. Mesothelioma is unique due to the fact that it can go undetected for up to twenty years and often, once doctors diagnose the illness, patients have little time remaining to live. 
 
As a result of his untimely death and battle with cancer, Harrison’s family has filed a asbestos exposure lawsuit against Moores Furniture Group. Harrison was reportedly employed for Moore for many years and worked as a store manager.
 
The lawsuit claims that he was wrongfully exposed to asbestos dust during renovations at the Moores locations at which he worked. Reports state that during these renovations workers removed lagging from pipes, which could have released millions of microscopic fibers into the air. As a result, Harrison and his co-workers could have inhaled asbestos fibers.
 
The victim’s family also claims in the mesothelioma lawsuit that Harrison, was never given a respirator or protective clothing while he worked to remove of the asbestos-laden lagging. He was also never warned about the risks of asbestos exposure.
 
The plaintiff’s hope to be compensated for his suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and the sudden loss of their much loved family member.

A Florida attorney recently held a meeting to address the Jackson-Madision County School Board regarding investigating the asbestos issues he believes to be plaguing local schools.

The attorney, Richard Fields, claims that asbestos, a harmful substance known to cause deadly cancers like mesothelioma, is present in over a dozen of the school system’s buildings.

“This is your first warning,” stated Fields, who is representing several plaintiffs in a desegregation lawsuit against the Jackson school board. “We’re going to investigate more. Every person that has been exposed to asbestos will be tested for any kind of lung disease. (If they have asbestosis) we’re going to sue you. Each lawsuit will cost you $300,000.”

Attorneys Tour Schools Exposed to Asbestos

Fields and other attorneys recently toured Jackson Central-Merry High School to help determine the condition of its facilities. They did so as a step toward coming to some sort of resolution about the issue of student assignment under the desegregation agreement. During their time at the school, Fields reportedly requested to see JCM’s basement, also known as its fall-out shelter. He claims that at the bottom of the staircase, there is a warning sign that hangs from the ceiling advising that there is a potential risk of asbestos in the area.

Fields told the board that they must address the issue as soon as possible or suffer the repercussions. “You’ve got to get rid of the asbestos, and at JCM you may have an entirely contaminated school,” he told them. “I think the school board should hire a national expert and have every school tested.” Fields announced in the meeting that he fears the school, and others in the same condition, has never been tested for asbestos or other contaminants. With support from fellow attorneys and parents of the students who attend these schools, Fields is calling for immediate action in the cases involving asbestos exposure.

A lawsuit was recently filed by a widow who lost her husband to a battle with mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. The suit, which was filed in Jefferson County District Court, claims it was the fault of the man’s former employer that he developed the illness. The plaintiff claims several companies exposed her husband to asbestos-containing products and due to his premature death and her loss, she should be compensated.

Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma

Willie Mae Denson filed the suit on behalf of her husband, Elijah Denson Sr. The mesothelioma lawsuit claims the companies Elijah was employed for in the years prior to his death are to blame for his illness. Seven companies have been named in the suit for their negligence. Elijah Denson Sr. reportedly worked for many different companies during his career as a laborer, furnace worker, and carpenter. During his employment he was reportedly exposed to the toxic substance known as asbestos that has, in recent years, been banned in the United States due to its harmful effects.

According to the lawsuit, the companies failed to tell Elijah about the risks associated with asbestos. The suit also states that even after the dangers of asbestos were made public, the companies continued to produced asbestos-containing products. Among the defendants named in the suit are A.O. Smith Corp., Babcock Borsig Power, CBS Corp., and Cleaver Brooks.

Before his death, Denson reportedly experienced a great deal of physical pain, mental anguish and also suffered from a physical impairment. As a result, both he and his wife incurred a burden of medical costs as well. The asbestos lawsuit seeks unspecified actual and exemplary damages, costs for pre- and post judgment interest.