Mesothelioma, a form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure, is a devastating diagnosis that can have life-altering effects on both the individual and their loved ones. One significant aspect in mesothelioma cases is the role of corporate asbestos histories. Many corporations have a long and troubling history of using asbestos in their products or workplaces, knowingly putting workers at risk.
Understanding these corporate asbestos histories is critical in building a strong case and holding these companies accountable for their negligence. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to seek legal counsel from an experienced attorney who focuses on asbestos litigation. They can help guide you through the complex legal process, fight for your rights, and seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact a mesothelioma attorney in Chicago to learn more about your legal options and how to pursue justice for your mesothelioma case.
Why Juries Assess Punitive Damages in Mesothelioma Cases
When it comes to mesothelioma cases, juries have the authority to award punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, which are meant to compensate victims for their losses, punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter others from engaging in similar misconduct. Juries assess punitive damages in mesothelioma cases for several reasons.
Gross Negligence
One of the main factors that can lead to the assessment of punitive damages in mesothelioma cases is the presence of gross negligence. Gross negligence refers to a wanton or reckless disregard for the safety of others and is often demonstrated by the actions or inactions of corporations with known asbestos histories. When a company knowingly exposes its employees or consumers to asbestos without taking proper precautions or providing adequate warnings, juries may see fit to punish the corporation through punitive damages.
Corporate Misconduct
Another reason why juries assess punitive damages in mesothelioma cases is corporate misconduct. Many corporations that had knowledge of the dangers associated with asbestos continued to use it in their products or workplaces for years, prioritizing profit over the well-being of their employees and consumers. This blatant disregard for human life and safety is viewed as a egregious form of misconduct that warrants punishment.
Sending a Message
Punitive damages also serve to send a message to other companies that may engage in similar misconduct. By awarding substantial punitive damages in mesothelioma cases, juries hope to create a deterrent effect, encouraging corporations to prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees and consumers.
How Corporate Misconduct Leads to High Verdicts in Mesothelioma Cases
Corporate misconduct plays a significant role in determining high verdicts in mesothelioma cases. When a corporation is found to have engaged in negligence, gross negligence, or willful misconduct regarding asbestos exposure, juries may award substantial compensatory and punitive damages to the victims and their families. The following are some key ways in which corporate misconduct can lead to high verdicts in mesothelioma cases.
Knowingly Endangering Lives
Many corporations with asbestos histories knew about the dangers of asbestos but continued to use it in their products or workplaces anyway. This deliberate choice to put workers at risk and expose them to a known carcinogen demonstrates a callous disregard for human life. Juries are often appalled by such conduct and are more likely to award high verdicts to victims and their families as a way to hold the corporation accountable and provide some measure of justice.
Failure to Warn
In many mesothelioma cases, corporations failed to provide adequate warnings about the dangers of asbestos exposure. They were aware of the risks associated with asbestos but chose not to inform their employees or consumers, resulting in devastating consequences. When a corporation fails to fulfill its duty to warn and protect individuals from harm, juries may award high verdicts that compensate victims and their families, reflecting the severity of the negligence.
Covering Up Evidence
Some corporations have been found to engage in a cover-up of evidence related to asbestos exposure. They deliberately withheld or destroyed documents that could have proven their knowledge of the dangers of asbestos and their role in causing harm to individuals. This kind of fraudulent behavior is highly unethical and can greatly impact the outcome of mesothelioma cases. Juries are more likely to view such actions as evidence of corporate misconduct and may award high verdicts to ensure the responsible corporation faces the consequences.
Examples of Large Punitive Damages in Mesothelioma Cases
Over the years, several notable cases have resulted in juries awarding significant punitive damages in mesothelioma cases. While each case is unique, these examples highlight the severity of corporate misconduct and the willingness of juries to hold negligent corporations accountable. Here are a few examples:
- Johnson & Johnson – A jury in Missouri awarded $4.7 billion in punitive damages against Johnson & Johnson in a mesothelioma case linked to the company’s talcum powder products. The jury found that the company had known for decades about the presence of asbestos in their talcum powder but failed to warn consumers. This verdict sends a strong message to corporations that they cannot knowingly put their consumers at risk without facing severe consequences.
- Union Carbide – A jury in Texas awarded $48 million in punitive damages against Union Carbide in a mesothelioma case involving asbestos contamination. The jury found that Union Carbide had been aware of the contamination for years and had failed to take appropriate measures to protect the workers at its facility. This verdict serves as a reminder that corporations must prioritize the safety of their employees and take necessary actions to prevent asbestos exposure.
- Owens Corning – A jury in Illinois awarded $20 million in punitive damages against Owens Corning in a mesothelioma case related to asbestos insulation. The jury found that the company had manufactured and sold insulation products containing asbestos, knowing the health risks it posed. This verdict underscores the importance of corporations acting responsibly and ethically, ensuring that their products do not harm consumers or workers.
A Mesothelioma Lawyer is Standing By
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is vital to seek legal counsel from an experienced mesothelioma attorney near you. Contact a lawyer near you to learn more about your legal options and how to pursue justice for your mesothelioma case. They can provide the guidance, support, and representation you need to navigate the complex legal process and seek the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait, take action today and protect your rights.
