Railroad Worker Asbestos, Mesothelioma Injuries
Asbestos Disease- Mesothelioma – 90 Million Dollar Verdict
Written by our personal injury lawyers in Charlottesville
A Bloomington, Illinois jury returned a $90 million verdict for a retired pipefitter who developed mesothelioma, a disease caused by exposure to asbestos. In fact, mesothelioma can only be caused by exposure to asbestos. The verdict was the result of a five week trial during which the plaintiff claimed that his employers over the years not only knew about the hazards of asbestos, but also took steps to conceal the dangers from employees and customers.
Such reckless corporate behavior is shocking and the jury assigned $20 million of the verdict to punitive damages. In Virginia, punitive damages are capped at $350,000. For a major corporation with billions of dollars in corporate profits, it is hard to imagine that a capped damage award would mean anything. But Illinois does not have a cap on damages and $20 million does send a message.
Although this verdict may seem large for asbestos disease, it is important to remember that mesothelioma is always fatal and it is a disease that makes breathing progressively more difficult. There is no amount of money that can reflect the true human cost of the suffering that a victim and his or her family must endure.
Over the years, railroad workers in Charlottesville, Louisa County, Fluvanna County, Albemarle County, and all of central Virginia have had exposure to asbestos in many forms. Locomotive engines used to be filled with asbestos. Asbestos was also found in many railroad buildings such as roundhouses, yard offices and camp cars.
It can take many years for asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma to develop. It can happen decades after an employee has retired. Our personal injury lawyers in Charlottesville recommend that you contact us as soon as the diagnosis has been made. This is important for several reasons. The first is that there is limited time in which to file a claim. The second reason is that life expectancy may be limited. Finally, the sooner an investigation is initiated by an experienced railroad injury lawyer, the better the case will be.
Railroad workers can collect for injuries. Contact the law firm of Wilson & Hajek.
Personal injury lawyers in Charlottesville serving Louisa County, Fluvanna County, Albemarle County, and all of central Virginia.
