A jury awarded a $2.86 verdict to the family of a man who died from mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos fibers.
The victim was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in August 2010. He died six months later at the age of 62. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers.
While working at a plumbing factory for almost 40 years, he used a talc powder contaminated with asbestos fibers to dust large molds of sinks, bathtubs and other ceramic fixtures. The asbestos fibers came from a mine in New York owned and operated by RT Vanderbilt Company, Inc.
Expert testimony during the trial linked the victim’s exposure to talc dust containing asbestos fibers. RT Vanderbilt did not list the proper safety warning on the talc powder.
Six years before his death, he retired to spend more time with his grandchildren, his family said. His three grandchildren lived close by and would visit him and his wife almost daily.
The victim passed away two weeks before his 33rd wedding anniversary, his wife said.
“This outcome is not about the money,” his wife, Darcel said. “This is about the fact that a jury has held RT Vanderbilt responsible for its actions. We just hope no other family has to go through the pain and loss we have experienced.”
RT Vanderbilt Company was founded in 1916 as a mining and manufacturing company that sells more than 60 categories of minerals and chemicals. These chemicals are used in roughly 800 products, including rubber, plastic, petroleum, ceramic, cosmetic and household product industries.
The verdict applies 100 percent liability to the company. RT Vanderbilt Company knowingly used substances containing carcinogens, such as asbestos fibers, without adequate safety warnings.
It is unfortunate that he lost his life before he was able to enjoy his retirement as he planned due to the company’s negligence. If they made their employees aware of the life-threatening dangers of exposure to asbestos, this grandfather would still be here today.
Contact one of our Gacovino Lake attorneys at 1-800-246-HURT (4878).
