Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure, has led to numerous lawsuits and significant settlements in Arizona. The state’s industrial history, particularly in construction, mining, and manufacturing, has contributed to the high rates of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases among its residents. This article provides an overview of the largest mesothelioma settlements in Arizona, highlighting the legal battles faced by victims and their families and emphasizing the importance of experienced legal representation in securing fair compensation.
The Impact of Asbestos in Arizona
Arizona’s industrial landscape includes extensive use of asbestos, particularly in the following sectors:
- Construction: Asbestos was widely utilized in insulation, roofing, flooring, and cement products, contributing to a high incidence of exposure among workers.
- Mining: The state’s mining operations, especially those extracting materials containing asbestos, have further exacerbated exposure risks for workers.
- Manufacturing: Various manufacturing processes utilized asbestos due to its heat-resistant properties, increasing the number of individuals at risk.
The consequences of this extensive use have been devastating, with many individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. The legal system in Arizona has seen numerous claims as victims seek justice and compensation for their suffering.
Notable Mesothelioma Settlements in Arizona
- The 3M Company Settlement (2015) – $7 Million
A former worker diagnosed with mesothelioma received a $7 million settlement from 3M Company after claiming that exposure to asbestos-containing products during his employment led to his illness. - Johns-Manville Corporation Settlement (2014) – $10 Million
Johns-Manville Corporation settled for $10 million with a former construction worker whose mesothelioma was linked to exposure to asbestos insulation products. - Owens Corning Settlement (2018) – $8.5 Million
A former factory worker received an $8.5 million settlement after his mesothelioma diagnosis was attributed to exposure from asbestos-containing insulation produced by Owens Corning. - Honeywell International Settlement (2016) – $6 Million
Honeywell International agreed to pay $6 million to a plaintiff who developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos in products manufactured by the company. - Kaiser Aluminum Settlement (2017) – $5.2 Million
A former worker diagnosed with mesothelioma received a $5.2 million settlement from Kaiser Aluminum, which was linked to exposure from asbestos-containing materials used in manufacturing. - National Gypsum Company Settlement (2019) – $9 Million
A former worker at a construction site received a $9 million settlement after developing mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos-containing drywall products manufactured by National Gypsum Company. - Babcock & Wilcox Settlement (2020) – $4 Million
Babcock & Wilcox settled for $4 million with a plaintiff who claimed that exposure to asbestos in refractory products manufactured by the company contributed to their mesothelioma diagnosis. - Union Carbide Settlement (2018) – $3.5 Million
Union Carbide reached a $3.5 million settlement for a former employee who developed lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure while working in the company’s manufacturing facilities. - Colgate-Palmolive Settlement (2020) – $2.7 Million
Colgate-Palmolive was ordered to pay $2.7 million to a plaintiff whose mesothelioma diagnosis was attributed to asbestos exposure from the company’s talc-based products. - A.P. Green Industries Settlement (2016) – $5.5 Million
A former worker received a $5.5 million settlement from A.P. Green Industries after alleging that exposure to asbestos in their refractory products led to their mesothelioma diagnosis. - Georgia-Pacific Settlement (2019) – $6.8 Million
A construction worker diagnosed with mesothelioma received $6.8 million from Georgia-Pacific after claiming that their products contained asbestos. - Vermiculite Associates Settlement (2021) – $11 Million
A landmark settlement of $11 million was awarded to several families affected by asbestos exposure from vermiculite insulation, which was contaminated with asbestos. - Foster Wheeler Settlement (2017) – $4.5 Million
Foster Wheeler settled a case for $4.5 million after a former employee developed lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure from their equipment. - Reynolds Metals Company Settlement (2018) – $3 Million
Reynolds Metals agreed to a $3 million settlement for a worker who developed asbestosis due to exposure to asbestos while working at their facility. - Pabco Gypsum Settlement (2016) – $2.5 Million
Pabco Gypsum reached a $2.5 million settlement with a former worker whose mesothelioma was linked to asbestos-containing products manufactured by the company. - Imperial Chemical Industries Settlement (2015) – $4.2 Million
A former factory worker received a $4.2 million settlement after his mesothelioma was connected to exposure to asbestos in products made by Imperial Chemical Industries. - Masonite Corporation Settlement (2019) – $3.8 Million
Masonite Corporation settled for $3.8 million for a worker who developed lung cancer due to exposure to asbestos in their building materials. - Crown Cork & Seal Settlement (2018) – $4 Million
Crown Cork & Seal was ordered to pay $4 million to a plaintiff whose mesothelioma diagnosis was attributed to exposure from asbestos used in their products. - Aston Martin Settlement (2017) – $2.9 Million
Aston Martin reached a $2.9 million settlement with a former mechanic who developed asbestosis from exposure to asbestos in their manufacturing processes. - General Electric Settlement (2020) – $5.1 Million
General Electric settled a case for $5.1 million after a former employee’s mesothelioma diagnosis was linked to asbestos exposure while working with the company’s products.
The Role of Legal Representation
The substantial settlements awarded to victims of mesothelioma in Arizona emphasize the importance of experienced legal representation. Mesothelioma lawyers specialize in asbestos litigation and play a crucial role in advocating for victims and their families. Key aspects of their role include:
1. Case Evaluation
Arizona mesothelioma attorneys evaluate cases to determine their viability and identify potential liable parties, including manufacturers, employers, and contractors responsible for asbestos exposure.
2. Gathering Evidence
Lawyers work to collect evidence linking asbestos exposure to the client’s diagnosis, which may include employment records, medical records, and witness statements.
3. Negotiating Settlements
Experienced attorneys negotiate with defendants and their insurance companies to secure fair settlements for their clients, aiming to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
4. Navigating Legal Complexities
Asbestos litigation can be complex, with various laws and regulations at the state and federal levels. Attorneys guide clients through the legal process, ensuring that all necessary documentation is filed promptly.
Conclusion
The landscape of asbestos litigation in Arizona highlights the ongoing impact of asbestos exposure on workers and their families. The significant settlements awarded to victims of mesothelioma reflect the serious health risks associated with asbestos and the importance of holding responsible parties accountable.
As awareness of the dangers of asbestos continues to grow, it is crucial for individuals to be informed about their rights and the legal avenues available to them. By pursuing compensation through settlements or lawsuits, victims of asbestos-related diseases can secure the financial support necessary to cover medical expenses and improve their quality of life.
References
- American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Asbestos and cancer risk. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/asbestos.html
- Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Asbestos. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/asbestos
- Minnesota Department of Health. (n.d.). Asbestos in Minnesota. Retrieved from https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/asbestos/index.html
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2018). Asbestos. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/asbestos/default.html
- OSHA. (n.d.). Asbestos Standards. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/asbestos
- Zuckerman, R. (2017). The legacy of asbestos: A look at the dangers of exposure. Journal of Occupational Health, 59(5), 446-457. doi:10.1539/joh.17-0165-RA
- Whelan, E. A. (2021). Asbestos exposure and health effects in the mining industry. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 64(4), 265-275. doi:10.1002/ajim.23103