Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
The family of a Missouri man recently settled an asbestos cancer claim on behalf of his estate. They reached a resolution out of court under the state’s mesothelioma benefits law, which allows employers to pay claims through a group insurance plan. As part of the settlement, the deceased’s estate will recover more than $791,000 in damages in exchange for the plaintiffs dismissing claims against the defendants.
According to the asbestos cancer lawsuit, filed in December, 2018 in the 22nd Judicial Circuit in St. Louis, Missouri, the victim developed a rare form of asbestos-related cancer from years of working with carcinogenic products developed by the defendants. Media reports show that the defendant worked for Central Electric Power Cooperative in Chamois, Missouri, for 17 years ending in 1982. The plaintiff’s lawsuit alleged that his exposure to asbestos laden products occured from 1962 to 1977.
As a result of his years of exposure to products containing asbestos, the defendant was diagnosed with mesothelioma in November 2017 and sadly passed away while litigation in the case was pending. His surviving family members carried on the claim on his behalf against the defendants, among which included his former employer Central Electric Power Cooperative, General Electric, Ford Motor Company, and a whole host of other industrial companies and others manufacturing products containing asbestos.
Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly form of cancer that commonly affects thin linings of tissue surrounding vital organs such as the lungs, heart, and abdominal cavity. There is currently no known cure for the disease, though researchers continue to make progress in treating the cancer and helping patients live longer and healthier lives. Mesothelioma is directly linked to exposure to asbestos fibers.
Asbestos was once widely used in a variety of industrial, commercial, and military applications for the substance’s heat-resistant properties and ability to be molded to fit many applications, particularly as an insulation material. In the plaintiff’s lawsuit, the defendants allegedly knowingly used parts and materials manufactured with deadly asbestos fibers when there were alternatives available that did not pose a threat to worker health.
While society would expect wrongdoers to properly compensate victims with meritorious claims for the harm they have suffered, the truth is that many companies would rather deny, delay, and defend such claims to recover compensation. Fortunately, our legal system allows mesothelioma cancer victims to hold negligent entities accountable for their actions and give families their day in court. Additionally, mesothelioma bankruptcy trusts may be available to provide necessary funds for those mesothelioma cancer victims harmed by now defunct companies as part of their agreements to cover liabilities.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.