Pawtuckett Asbestos Victim Wins $2 Million Compensation
A Dallas law firm announced a concerted $2 million verdict against General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. in favour of a Pawtuckett asbestos victim. Roland Leo Grenier, a retired mechanic contracted mesothelioma as a result exposure to asbestos in his workplace. The trial was heard in New Castle County Superior Court.
Mr. Nemeroff, one of the representatives of Grenier said, "Mr. Grenier had no idea that the products he used while providing for his wife and children would later threaten his life. It's gratifying to see that the jury agreed that these companies should be held responsible for the pain and suffering caused by their products."
The jury members were explained how Mr. Grenier was exposed to asbestos for around 35 years when he was working as an auto mechanic and laborer in the Pawtuckett area. Mr. Grenier used many asbestos containing products fabricated by General Motors and Ford during his work period. The products include clutch mechanisms and vehicle brake.
Mr. Greiner was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2005. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure, usually one case is found in 100,000 people. Symptoms of the disease, which can be found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen, may not appear for decades after exposure. But it kills more than half of its victims within seven months of diagnosis. More than 25 years passed before Mr. Grenier started showing symptoms of the mortal disease.
It's been evidenced from the testimony that the company officials did nothing to protect Mr. Greiner even though they were aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure.
The jury assessed 70 percent liability against General Motors, 16 percent against Ford and 2 percent against seven other defendant companies in the total $2 million verdict.
