Mesothelioma Lawsuit Amounts to $10.2 Million for Former Paper Mill Worker

In a lawsuit filed against the companies Scapa Dryer Fabrics, Inc. and AstenJohnson, a jury has awarded Henry and Geraldine Barabin $10.2 million for reasons related to asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma.

The two companies heavily incorporated asbestos into their products and workers nearby the manufacturing process were at a very high risk of being exposed to the toxic mineral.

Henry Barabin worked for the two companies as a laborer between 1964 and 2001. His first stint was at the Texaco Refinery in Port Arthur, Texas from 1964 to 1968. He then worked at the Crown Zellerbach paper mill in Camas, Washington from 1968 to 2001.

Mr. Barabin believes he was exposed to asbestos dust that was released from asbestos-containing dryer fabrics during normal handling, replacement disposal and cleanup operations. One of his jobs included cleaning out the paper machine’s dryer fabrics during maintenance and shutdown periods.

According to the suit, the Barabin’s alleged the asbestos dryer fabrics were defectively designed and did not include warnings about the possible dangers of asbestos exposure. Because of his exposure, Mr. Barabin was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in 2006.

Illnesses related to asbestos exposure are extremely life-threatening due to the severe latency period of symptoms. In many cases, victims of asbestos exposure unknowingly develop a disease before feeling any signs of occurrence. Depending on the disease, symptoms may take as long as 10 to 50 years to arise.

Mesothelioma is particularly harmful as there is no cure for the disease. After diagnosis, most patients receive palliative care or enter clinical trials to help combat their condition. Average prognosis for mesothelioma is between four and 18 months.

The jury awarded the Barabins $8 million in non-economic damages for pain and suffering. Mrs. Barabin received another $1.5 million for her loss of consortium claim. The couple was awarded an additional $700,000 for medical expenses, lost income and household services.

Outside of paper mill workers, other jobs that have had a history of asbestos exposure include those in the construction, shipyard, power and chemical plant, electrical and automotive industries.

Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 11:20 am and is filed under Asbestos Exposure, Asbestos Litigation, Mesothelioma. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Responses are currently closed, but you trackback from your own site.