Mesothelioma Case Brings $17 Million for Families

In a recent mesothelioma case in Philadelphia, a jury revealed a $17 million verdict for the families of two mesothelioma victims. Both victims had been exposed to asbestos-containing materials from several manufacturers, including John Crane, Inc. and Garlock Sealing Technologies.

Before the verdict was determined by the jury, John Crane agreed to a confidential settlement, making Garlock the only remaining defendant in the case. Details of the jury’s decision stated that each man suffered from malignant mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure and that the damages for the families totaled $17 million.

Garlock argued their gaskets could not have contributed to the development of mesothelioma even though their gaskets contained approximately 75 to 90 percent asbestos. Later in the trial, the jury was allowed to see a document that Garlock had previously sought to exclude from the case. This document provided evidence of Garlock admitting that their gaskets could cause mesothelioma and the company entered into a confidential settlement shortly thereafter.

Garlock manufactured asbestos-containing products between 1907 and 1980. Some of these products included asbestos cloth, gaskets, packing material and more. Industries that utilized these materials included the mining, refining, manufacturing, power plant, chemical plant and steel industry, among others.

John Crane is known for manufacturing seals and associated products for the chemical, pharmaceutical, paper, mining, oil and gas industries. In the past, the company was most popular for its packing material and gasket products.

The filing of a mesothelioma lawsuit is often an attempt to recover expenses associated with the cancer. This may include compensation for medical expenses, loss of income and any pain or suffering that has occurred. Manufacturers of asbestos-containing products can be held liable for the suffering a patient or family member experiences from the development of mesothelioma.

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

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 at 11:55 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.