Woman wins $7.5 million verdict against exxonmobil

Linden, New Jersey - A resident of Linden, New Jersey who claims to have developed a rare type of stomach cancer as a result of her connection to the Bayway Refinery in Linden has won a $7.5 million verdict in a lawsuit against ExxonMobil Corp. Bonnie Anderson claimed that she had developed a rare form of mesothelioma called peritoneal mesothelioma as a result of being exposed to asbestos. However, unlike most people who pursue asbestos-related legal action, Bonnie Anderson never worked for the company she successfully sued. In this case, Bonnie Anderson claimed that she was exposed to asbestos because her husband John worked at the Bayway Refinery. For decades, the lawsuit claimed, Bonnie Anderson was unknowingly exposed to asbestos that her husband had brought home on the clothes he wore at work. John Anderson was employed as a process operator at the Bayway Refinery, which was formerly owned by ExxonMobil. The lawsuit claimed that in the act of washing her husband’s asbestos-laden clothing, Bonnie Anderson was exposed to asbestos fibers which became airborne during the process. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, are known to be the cause of several different forms of asbestos cancer called mesothelioma. The cancer can develop in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, and in all three cases is highly resistant to treatment. Mesothelioma is a particularly lethal form of cancer; more than 50% of people diagnosed die within two years. People who develop mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis are typically those who have worked in occupations where asbestos exposure occurred. Those most at risk include construction workers and industrial workers. Other at-risk groups include people who served in the U.S. Navy. A small number of cases involve people like Bonnie Anderson, who were exposed in a secondary fashion via contact with someone who worked with or around asbestos. Whether asbestos exposure is direct or indirect, mesothelioma usually takes between three and five decades to develop. Bonnie Anderson’s lawsuit has been ongoing for several months. Last year, a Middlesex County Superior Court jury found that ExxonMobil was responsible for the development of her cancer. The most recent trial focused on awarding damages. That trial began two weeks ago, and has resulted in the $7.5 million verdict. An ExxonMobil spokesperson said, “We sympathize with the Andersons, but we operate our businesses with meticulous attention to the health and safety of our employees and others. We are considering our post-trial options, including an appeal.” (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)