Aug 1 , 2006
A Virginia widow of a former shipyard worker who died of asbestos-related disease was awarded $10.4 million in damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.
The lawsuit filed by Wanda Jones named three companies that manufactured asbestos-containing products including John Crane Inc., which is notorious for refusing to settle asbestos cases.
Jones attorney Robert Hatten called the jury verdict a landmark, particularly because one-third of the award will come from John Crane. A lot of these companies now accept responsibility and settle these cases regularly, said Hatten who has represented thousands of former workers exposed to asbestos. I hope this verdict will make companies like John Crane change their corporate attitude.
Buddy Jones worked in a shipyard for four years sealing pumps and making gaskets. In 2004, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a fatal cancer of the lining of the lungs, heart, and abdominal cavity that is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure. Jones died within the year.
Its a mixed day, Wanda Jones said. At least theres been some justice and recognition for what he went through, certainly through no fault of his own. He just went to work and did what he was trained to do on the job.
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