$9.7m verdict awarded in texas mesothelioma case

Houston, Texas â€" A Texas man was this week awarded a total of $9.7 million by a jury who heard his asbestos-related lawsuit and determined that he developed mesothelioma as a result of negligence on the part of the Crane Company. Chief Brewer and his wife Gail filed the lawsuit more than a year ago, after Chief Brewer was diagnosed with mesothelioma. During the trial, the jury heard that Brewer had served as a machinist mate in the U.S. Navy, and had been exposed to asbestos because the Crane Company, a defense supplier, had manufactured pumps, seals, and other products that contained asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used in ship-building and construction in the twentieth century, particularly between the 1940s and 1980s. Its fire-resistance, strength and durability made it an ideal material to use for insulation and packing materials on board Navy vessels, and it was widely used in Navy ships for several decades. In addition to causing deadly cancersâ€"including mesothelioma and lung cancerâ€"asbestos exposure causes a chronic lung disease called asbestosis, and other types of lung damage. Mesothelioma is perhaps the most lethal of the asbestos-related diseases. This cancer is difficult to diagnose and treat, and is incurable. During the trial the Brewers’ attorneys claimed that the Crane Company had continued to sell its asbestos-containing products long after it was aware that asbestos exposure was a serious health hazard. In addition, the plaintiff’s attorneys showed that the Crane Company manufactured and sold its asbestos-containing products without warning users that asbestos was a dangerous substance, and that exposure could cause serious diseases. The last year has been difficult for the family. In addition to coping with the stress of the court case, Brewer has been hospitalized numerous times for treatment, undergoing grueling courses of chemotherapy. Both Chief and Gail Brewer were appreciative of the jury in their case as well as their attorneys. Gail Brewer said, “we appreciate and applaud the efforts of the jury, who put their lives on hold for two long months away from their jobs and families. I think it is a huge sacrifice and very commendable for them to do that for our family.” The $9.7 million awarded to the Brewers included $700,000 for medical expenses and loss of income, as well as $5 million in non-economic damages awarded to Chief Brewer, and $4 million in non-economic damages awarded to Gail Brewer. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)