Mesothelioma, a devastating cancer caused primarily by asbestos exposure, has led to numerous lawsuits and settlements in California. The state’s extensive use of asbestos in various industries has resulted in a significant number of mesothelioma cases. This article explores some of the largest mesothelioma settlements in California, providing insight into the legal battles fought by victims and their families, and highlighting the importance of experienced legal representation in achieving substantial compensation.
The Impact of Asbestos in California
California’s industrial boom throughout the 20th century saw extensive use of asbestos in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and other sectors. Workers in these industries were often exposed to asbestos fibers without adequate protection, leading to a high incidence of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. As a result, numerous lawsuits have been filed against companies responsible for exposing workers to asbestos, leading to some of the largest settlements in the state’s history.
Notable Mesothelioma Settlements in California
1. The Unarco Industries Settlement
One of the largest mesothelioma settlements in California involved Unarco Industries, a company that manufactured asbestos-containing products. In 2006, a jury awarded $20 million to a mesothelioma victim who had been exposed to asbestos while working at the company’s plant. This landmark case highlighted the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure and set a precedent for future lawsuits.
2. The Johns-Manville Corporation Settlement
Johns-Manville Corporation, once the largest manufacturer of asbestos-containing products, faced numerous lawsuits from workers exposed to asbestos. In one of the most significant settlements, the company agreed to pay $250 million into a trust fund to compensate victims. This trust continues to provide financial support to individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, demonstrating the long-term impact of such settlements.
3. The Owens Corning Fiberglas Settlement
Owens Corning Fiberglas, a major manufacturer of building materials, also faced substantial legal action due to asbestos exposure. In 2000, the company agreed to a $1.2 billion settlement to resolve thousands of asbestos-related claims. This massive settlement underscored the financial and legal ramifications for companies that failed to protect workers from asbestos exposure.
4. The Union Carbide Settlement
Union Carbide, a chemical company, was another major player in asbestos litigation. In 2004, the company settled a mesothelioma lawsuit for $30 million. The victim had been exposed to asbestos while working at a plant in Torrance, California. This settlement emphasized the importance of holding companies accountable for workplace safety and ensuring victims receive adequate compensation.
5. The Kaiser Aluminum Settlement
Kaiser Aluminum, which used asbestos in its products, faced numerous lawsuits from workers diagnosed with mesothelioma. In one of the largest settlements, the company agreed to pay $40 million to a group of mesothelioma victims. This case highlighted the pervasive use of asbestos in various industries and the long-term health consequences for workers.
6. The W.R. Grace & Co. Settlement
W.R. Grace & Co., a construction materials company, faced significant legal action due to asbestos exposure at its facilities. In 2008, the company settled a mesothelioma lawsuit for $14 million. The settlement provided much-needed financial relief to the victim’s family and underscored the importance of corporate responsibility in preventing asbestos exposure.
7. The Duro Dyne Corporation Settlement
Duro Dyne Corporation, which manufactured HVAC equipment containing asbestos, was sued by a former worker who developed mesothelioma. In 2010, the company settled the lawsuit for $11 million. This case illustrated the ongoing risks of asbestos exposure in various industries and the need for stringent safety regulations.
8. The Foster Wheeler Settlement
Foster Wheeler, a company involved in construction and engineering, faced a $10 million settlement in 2005 for a mesothelioma lawsuit. The victim had been exposed to asbestos while working on construction projects that used the company’s materials. This settlement highlighted the widespread use of asbestos in construction and the need for accountability in protecting workers’ health.
9. The General Motors Settlement
General Motors, one of the largest automobile manufacturers, faced numerous lawsuits related to asbestos exposure in brake linings and other automotive parts. In 2006, the company settled a mesothelioma lawsuit for $12 million. This case emphasized the importance of protecting workers in the automotive industry from asbestos exposure and ensuring fair compensation for victims.
10. The Babcock & Wilcox Settlement
Babcock & Wilcox, a power generation company, faced a $15 million settlement in 2007 for a mesothelioma lawsuit. The victim had been exposed to asbestos while working at a power plant. This settlement underscored the significant health risks associated with asbestos exposure in the power generation industry and the importance of corporate accountability.
11. The Raybestos-Manhattan Settlement
Raybestos-Manhattan, a manufacturer of brake linings and other automotive components containing asbestos, faced a substantial settlement in 2009. The company agreed to pay $18 million to a former worker diagnosed with mesothelioma after years of exposure. This case highlighted the dangers of asbestos in the automotive industry and the long-term impact on workers’ health.
12. The Celotex Corporation Settlement
Celotex Corporation, a manufacturer of building materials, faced a significant lawsuit due to asbestos exposure. In 2003, the company settled for $17 million with a group of workers who had developed mesothelioma. The settlement emphasized the widespread use of asbestos in construction and the responsibility of manufacturers to protect workers.
13. The Armstrong World Industries Settlement
Armstrong World Industries, known for its asbestos-containing ceiling and flooring products, faced numerous lawsuits from workers diagnosed with mesothelioma. In 2005, the company agreed to a $13 million settlement. This case highlighted the risks associated with asbestos in building materials and the importance of corporate responsibility.
14. The National Gypsum Company Settlement
National Gypsum Company, a leading manufacturer of drywall and other building materials, settled a mesothelioma lawsuit in 2008 for $15 million. The victim had been exposed to asbestos while working with the company’s products. This settlement underscored the need for safer building materials and the long-term impact of asbestos exposure.
15. The Combustion Engineering Settlement
Combustion Engineering, a manufacturer of industrial boilers and related equipment, faced a $19 million settlement in 2011 for a mesothelioma lawsuit. The victim had been exposed to asbestos while working in power plants that used the company’s equipment. This case highlighted the dangers of asbestos in industrial settings and the need for rigorous safety standards.
16. The GAF Corporation Settlement
GAF Corporation, a manufacturer of roofing materials containing asbestos, faced a significant settlement in 2004. The company agreed to pay $20 million to a group of workers who had developed mesothelioma. This settlement emphasized the need for safer roofing materials and the long-term health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
17. The Flintkote Company Settlement
Flintkote Company, a manufacturer of construction materials, faced a major lawsuit due to asbestos exposure. In 2007, the company settled for $16 million with a group of workers diagnosed with mesothelioma. This case highlighted the widespread use of asbestos in construction and the responsibility of manufacturers to protect workers.
18. The Harbison-Walker Refractories Settlement
Harbison-Walker Refractories, a company involved in producing heat-resistant materials for industrial furnaces, faced a $14 million settlement in 2006 for a mesothelioma lawsuit. The victim had been exposed to asbestos while working in steel mills that used the company’s products. This settlement underscored the risks associated with asbestos in high-heat industrial environments.
19. The LTV Steel Corporation Settlement
LTV Steel Corporation, a major steel manufacturer, faced significant legal action due to asbestos exposure. In 2010, the company settled a mesothelioma lawsuit for $18 million. The victim had been exposed to asbestos while working in the company’s steel mills. This case highlighted the dangers of asbestos in the steel industry and the need for protective measures.
20. The Porter Hayden Company Settlement
Porter Hayden Company, a contractor involved in the insulation of industrial facilities, faced a $12 million settlement in 2005 for a mesothelioma lawsuit. The victim had been exposed to asbestos while working on projects that used the company’s insulation materials. This settlement emphasized the importance of safety in industrial construction and the long-term risks of asbestos exposure.
21. The American Standard Settlement
American Standard, a manufacturer of plumbing fixtures and HVAC equipment, settled a mesothelioma lawsuit in 2012 for $13 million. The victim had been exposed to asbestos-containing components used in the company’s products. This case highlighted the ongoing risks of asbestos exposure in manufacturing and the need for corporate responsibility.
22. The ACandS, Inc. Settlement
ACandS, Inc., a contractor involved in the installation of asbestos-containing insulation, faced a $15 million settlement in 2008. The victim had been exposed to asbestos while working in various industrial facilities. This settlement underscored the widespread use of asbestos in industrial settings and the need for stringent safety regulations.
23. The Dana Corporation Settlement
Dana Corporation, a manufacturer of automotive components, faced a significant lawsuit due to asbestos exposure. In 2009, the company settled for $11 million with a former worker who had developed mesothelioma. This case highlighted the dangers of asbestos in the automotive industry and the importance of protecting workers from exposure.
24. The A.P. Green Industries Settlement
A.P. Green Industries, a manufacturer of refractory products used in high-temperature industrial processes, faced a $14 million settlement in 2007 for a mesothelioma lawsuit. The victim had been exposed to asbestos while working in steel mills that used the company’s products. This settlement emphasized the risks of asbestos in industrial environments and the need for corporate accountability.
25. The Halliburton/Brown & Root Settlement
Halliburton, through its subsidiary Brown & Root, faced a significant lawsuit due to asbestos exposure in construction projects. In 2003, the company agreed to a $4.2 billion settlement to resolve thousands of asbestos-related claims, including mesothelioma cases. This massive settlement highlighted the long-term health consequences of asbestos exposure and the financial impact on companies that failed to protect workers.
The Role of California Mesothelioma Lawyers
The substantial settlements achieved in these cases underscore the importance of experienced legal representation. California mesothelioma lawyers play a crucial role in advocating for victims and their families, helping them navigate the complex legal landscape and secure the compensation they deserve. These lawyers possess specialized knowledge of asbestos litigation and can effectively gather evidence, identify liable parties, and negotiate favorable settlements.
Legal Expertise and Advocacy
Mesothelioma lawyers in California are well-versed in state and federal asbestos regulations and have extensive experience handling mesothelioma cases. They work tirelessly to build strong cases, often collaborating with medical experts to establish the link between asbestos exposure and the disease. Their expertise is invaluable in ensuring that victims receive fair compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Access to Resources and Support
In addition to legal expertise, mesothelioma lawyers provide essential support to victims and their families. They offer resources for medical treatment, connect clients with support groups, and provide guidance throughout the legal process. This comprehensive approach ensures that victims receive not only financial compensation but also the emotional and practical support needed during a challenging time.
Ready for Mesothelioma Legal Help?
If you’re ready for help, please feel free to schedule a free mesothelioma consultation today. Our friendly, compassionate California mesothelioma attorneys have the experience to help you through this difficult time. We understand you are feeling wronged, emotional, overwhelmed and lost – which is why we work so hard to help you navigate the process in a seamless manner, without confusion or additional life setbacks.
Additional Resources
- List of Asbestos Trusts in California
- California Asbestos Regulations
- Cities in California with the Most and Least Asbestos Issues
- Compensation & Claims for California Mesothelioma Victims
- Shipyards and Mesothelioma in California
- Options for Mesothelioma Treatment in California
- Mesothelioma Lawyer California
- Mesothelioma Lawsuit After Death
References
- California Court Records: Various court records and legal documents provide detailed accounts of mesothelioma settlements and the proceedings that led to them.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA’s resources on asbestos provide background information on the health risks and regulatory efforts related to asbestos exposure.
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH): The CDPH offers information on asbestos-related diseases and public health initiatives to address asbestos exposure.
- American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society provides comprehensive information on mesothelioma, including treatment options and support resources