Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Settlement Results in $10M Payment

The family of a long-time Missouri courthouse worker has reached a $10 million mesothelioma settlement in a lawsuit filed against U.S. Engineering Co., which allegedly failed to follow proper procedures while working with asbestos in the courthouse. 

The settlement of the wrongful death lawsuit was announced last week, resolving a case filed by the family of Nancy Lopez, who died from mesothelioma in October 2010.

According to the complaint, Lopez developed mesothelioma from asbestos exposure while working for 27 years at the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City. In 1983, asbestos fibers were allegedly released during a renovation project done by U.S. Engineering.

The $10 million mesothelioma wrongful death settlement is believed to be the largest asbestos settlement in Missouri state history. However, U.S. Engineering continues to face an asbestos class action lawsuit filed on behalf of all courthouse visitors, employees and their families.

Mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the chest and lungs, is only known to occur as a result of exposure to asbestos. The disease has a very long latency period and is often not discovered until decades after exposure, leading to a limited life expectancy after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Asbestos was widely used in a variety of manufacturing and construction applications throughout the last century, with use peaking in 1973. Most uses of asbestos were banned in the mid-1980s. When inhaled, asbestos fibers can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Asbestos litigation is the longest running mass tort in U.S. history, with the first case filed in 1929. Over 600,000 people have filed lawsuits against 6,000 defendants after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis or other asbestos-related diseases.