Great-grandfather receives six-figure sum for asbestos exposure

Receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma or another asbestos-related cancer can be devastating. Often times, adults are grown with children and even grandchildren when they learn they were exposed to the toxic fiber decades ago.

Some people may feel as though there is no point in pursuing financial compensation from a negligent company, since they may not think it will make a difference. However, victims of asbestos exposure have a right to hold a company accountable for their health issues. Additionally, compensation can help a victim’s family recover financially after having to deal with medical bills, lost wages and funeral expenses.

One man was recently awarded a six-figure settlement after he discovered he had developed mesothelioma. The man is a father of four children and has eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The compensation will certainly go a long way in helping his family financially when he no longer can.

According to reports, the man was initially exposed to asbestos as a teenager. Years later, he was again exposed when he worked at a shipbuilding company. He says that neither of the companies made an attempt to warn workers of the presence of asbestos, and he was never given any type of protection against the airborne fibers. Because of this negligence, the companies were ordered to pay an undisclosed sum of money to the man.

After coming to a settlement agreement with his former employers, the man said that the money was beneficial not only to him at this time, but it would be helpful for his family in the future. Other victims of asbestos-related diseases may want to take this type of financial protection into consideration if they are considering filing a lawsuit against a negligent employer. While money cannot undo the damage that has been done by asbestos exposure, it can be very helpful for victims and their families as they try to recover from a fatal diagnosis.

Source: Chronicle Live, “Hebburn shipyard worker wins asbestos cancer compensation,” Sept. 4, 2012

• Our firm works directly with victims of toxic exposure to asbestos. Those who are considering filing a lawsuit against a negligent company may want to visit our North Carolina Asbestos Litigation page for more information.