Asbestos is a dangerous type of mineral that, when inhaled, can damage the lungs and cause long-term diseases and other serious health issues, including mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is most commonly caused by asbestos exposure. The cancer can typically affect the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Mesothelioma is a long-term condition, and it may take several years for symptoms to begin showing. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and a persistent cough. By the time symptoms show up, and a diagnosis is made, it is often too late to save the victim from death. According to the NHS website, about 50% of people live at least a year after diagnosis, while only 10% live at least five years after.
The risk of breathing in asbestos becomes apparent when a material containing the mineral is damaged. While the use of asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999, many old buildings still contain asbestos. Therefore, the risk is greater for people who work in certain industries such as construction and insulation. That is why there are serious regulations to ensure that asbestos exposure is kept to a minimum. However, certain companies have sadly failed to protect their employers from the risk of asbestos, resulting in heavy consequences such as paying compensation damages.
Keep reading to see some of the biggest companies that have been forced to pay compensation following a death from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related conditions.
Talc Supplier to Pay $4.8 Million
We’ll start with one of the most recent examples of a mesothelioma compensation verdict delivered by a US court in April 2021. As reported by Mesothelioma.net, a talc supplier has been ordered to pay a victim a whopping $4.8 million. Whittaker Clark & Daniels were found guilty of negligence by a civil jury in Los Angeles County. 78-year old Willie McNeal, Jr. was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma, having used Old Spice Talcum Powder daily for 22 years. The jury determined that the supplier was 42% responsible for Mr McNeal’s illness.
Johnson & Johnson Ordered to Pay $120 Million
In another example similar to the one above, Johnson & Johnson, a manufacturer of healthcare products, has been ordered to pay $120 Million. Donna Olson and her husband took the company to court in what turned out to be a 14-week trial. It was alleged that Mrs Olson was diagnosed with mesothelioma after using Johnson & Johnson’s talc products. A judge initially demanded a payout of $325 million, but following a review by the New York State Supreme Court, the compensation was lowered to $120 million.
Former Boots’ Employer Receives Six-Figure Payout
For a story closer to home, we only have to look at this story by the Daily Record. In 1975, Lynne Mitchell worked at a Boots store in Exeter, Devon, while it was undergoing construction work. She worked at the store for 12 years but only started feeling symptoms of mesothelioma in 2016. According to Mrs Mitchell, the work at the store lasted for around six months, and the “whole environment remained very dusty.” As a result of her diagnosis, she was forced to sell her farm in France and moved back to Devon, ending one of her life’s dreams. Boots admitted liability, and both parties agreed on an undisclosed six-figure settlement.
Widow to Receive Payout for Husband’s Death
As reported by KentOnline, a widow is set to receive compensation following her husband’s death. Scott Morrison worked at the Chart Leacon railway depot in Ashford, Kent. In September 2018, Mr Morrison became ill and was subsequently diagnosed with mesothelioma. Sadly, he died only two months after being diagnosed. His wife, Diane Morrison, worked with a legal team to identify how he was exposed to asbestos. Following the testimony of former colleagues, it was determined that Mr Morrison regularly handled old train parts containing asbestos. Bombardier, the company that owned the depot at the time, settled with Mr Morisson’s wife. She was able to recover some of the hospice costs accrued due to his end-of-life care.
Please visit our dedicated page on asbestos compensation after death claims to find out more about this type of accident. If you have sadly lost a loved one due to asbestos exposure in the workplace, you don’t have to suffer alone. We are professional solicitors in this sector. Contact us today if you would like to learn more about your options for claiming compensation damages.
