Asbestos News: Philadelphia Asbestos Verdict $25.2 Million The jury in the case of Baccus v. Crane Co. recently awarded James Baccus’ Estate $25.2 million in compensatory and punitive damages.; Navy Firefighter Awarded $2.6 Million for Asbestos Related Cancer David Fortier was diagnosed with mesothelioma in October of 2006, and died in June of 2008. He filed a lawsuit shortly after his diagnosis, but he did not live to see his case decided.; Asbestos Plaintiff’s Body Subpoenaed, Taken from Graveyard Just Before Burial Harold St. John's body was never laid to rest when a court issued a subpoena for his body to collect tissue samples. Chrysler, one of the defendants in the lawsuit, maintains that the proceedings were necessary to obtain additional information about the way Mr. St. John died.

Second-hand or Paraoccupational Mesothelioma Exposure

People can be exposed to asbestos through inhalation of fibers in the air, as well as through ingestion (e.g., drinking water from cement pipes that have been manufactured with asbestos). However, airborne exposure is the most toxic.

Studies dating from the 1960s showed that the majority of mesothelioma cases in women were likely caused by secondary asbestos exposure.
Indirect or paraoccupational asbestos exposure is possible when people come into contact with the asbestos fibers carried by a family member or present in the environment. These exposures are especially heart wrenching because victims can be exposed to the carcinogen by way of loved ones, and in the safety of their own homes.

Husbands and fathers unknowingly brought dangerous fibers home and hugged their children upon greeting. Wives unknowingly shook out clothes before laundering them and released deadly fibers into the air contaminating their home, and themselves.

Prevention was easy—but was avoided

To safeguard family members against indirect exposures other industries that involved "dusts" or "particles” required workers change clothing on arrival and departure from work. The contaminated clothing was handled and laundered only by trained personnel who wore protective clothing to prevent exposure. Furthermore, showers were available for the workers to cleanse the skin and hair from any remaining particles before they carried the fibers home.

The legal status of people affected by secondhand exposure and whether companies can be held liable vary by state and country. Let our experts share the latest information with you and evaluate your individual case. Just fill out this form.

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