A jury has awarded nearly $ 17.5 million to an asbestos plaintiff in California (CA) who says he developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos in brake linings. The verdict was reached in the California Supreme Court (Alameda County) on January 6 after a lengthy trial, which began in October.
The claim was filed by a Gordon and Emily Bankhead. They argued that his more than 30 years of work doing brake maintenance and vehicle repair were what caused the exposure to asbestos. Several different companies were included in the lawsuit.
Asbestos is naturally occurring fiber often used in manufacturing.
It harmless until it becomes disturbed: at that point, its fibers are released into the air and can become permanently lodged in the lungs of victims.
The defendants argued that asbestos does not cause mesothelioma, and that any contact the victim had with asbestos was minimal. The award given included economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
The defendants’ argument that asbestos does not cause mesothelioma is simply absurd: the correlation between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma has been well-documented for decades. In addition, asbestos is a common product used in brake pads and linings, as well as many other car parts. To hear the defendant say that the plaintiff’s contact with this substance was minimal over a 30 year period strains believability.
Corporations can be held responsible for failing to product the public, and workers, from asbestos. If you or someone you love has an asbestos-related condition, contact our attorneys for a free consultation.
IW