Mesothelioma trials can be complex — but also straight forward: it was often the case in the past that many employers and asbestos manufacturers knew of the deadly effects of exposure, but did not properly inform or train their employees to handle it in a safe manner.
For some time now, juries have been ruling in the favor of mesothelioma victims – most often veterans or blue collar workers — as their exposure and resulting illnesses can be traced back directly to deceptive asbestos manufacturers who stalled too long on making the dangers of asbestos known to their workers.
In January 2014, one judge ruled in the favor of the defendent, Garlock, one of the world’s largest asbestos-containing gasket and packing manufacturers. The company had been found guilty in numerous other mesothelioma trials, but this court indicated “that it would ignore Garlock’s past litigation record or the prior judgment of judges as guidance, suggesting that victims and their attorneys had tricked them all.” Not only did the judge rule in favor of Garlock, he also reduced the amount of money the company had to put aside for future mesothelioma claims, by 90%. It was as if the judge assumed the victims of asbestos exposure were making their diseases up, even though the evidence was clearly there.
If we are not careful, those who have been exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with deadly, asbestos-related diseases might face some devastating changes to asbestos litigation as 2014 evolves. After unknowingly handling asbestos, a substance known by manufacturers to cause devastating illnesses, our workers and veterans deserve compensation. What do you think?
Read this article by Joanne Doroshow to learn more about this shocking January 2014 Garlock ruling. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, do not hesitate to contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney today.
