Wallace & Graham wins $32.7 million mesothelioma verdict – the largest of its kind in North Carolina history

Last month, a federal jury awarded a record-breaking $32.7 million* to the widow of a former tire-plant worker who passed away from mesothelioma. It’s the largest single-plaintiff verdict – and the largest mesothelioma-related verdict – in the history of North Carolina. Attorney Bill Graham, a partner at Wallace & Graham, represented the plaintiff.

The victim worked at the Firestone tire plant for two decades, from 1975 to 1995. His job in the curing room exposed him to asbestos-laden steam lines every day. In March 2016, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, and he passed away in January 2017.

The defendant in the case, Covil Corp., provided the pipe insulation at the tire plant. The company was a prominent supplier of asbestos pipe-coverings during that time period. Originally headquartered in South Carolina, it also conducted significant business in North Carolina. Covil has been the subject of numerous other asbestos-related lawsuits over the years, and it went out of business in 1991.

After a five-day trial and two hours of deliberation, the federal district court jury found that Covil had been negligent in failing to warn of the dangers associated with asbestos insulation. It awarded $32.7 million to the victim’s widow in compensatory damages. Including pre- and post-judgment interest, the ultimate payout may exceed $40 million.

Learn more about the life-threatening medical problems associated with asbestos as well as common sources of exposure.

*Each case is different and must be evaluated on its individual facts. Prior results do not guarantee any future outcomes.