$81.5 million was the verdict in an asbestos- related death case last week - it was among the largest amounts ever awarded in the state. The award went to the family of a heavy equipment operator who died in 2015 from complications associated with mesothelioma that resulted from asbestos exposure.
Asbestos-related deaths still high despite regulation
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports that asbestos-related deaths are still occurring at alarming rates. Despite regulations imposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, asbestos remains a danger to workers in susceptible fields of labor such as construction.
Study presents possible new treatment for Mesothelioma
Exposure to asbestos in the workplace can lead to the contraction of a disease such as Mesothelioma. The most common form of Mesothelioma is Pleural Mesothelioma, a malignant cancer which forms on the lining of the lungs. The only approved treatment for this type of cancer is chemotherapy, with virtually no other options available if it is unsuccessful. However, a groundbreaking study introduces the possibility of a promising new treatment.
What is the underlying legal theory of Asbestos lawsuits?
Asbestos used to be a main component of many products due to its affordability, accessibility and versatility. For most of the 20th century, asbestos was used in tiles, insulation, automotive parts and even consumer products such as small appliances, baby powder and potting soil. Before its potentially lethal effects became widely known, asbestos companies and manufacturers had evidence of its dangers and continued to market it to the public.
