Mesothelioma Lawsuit Results in $190M Verdict Against Boiler Companies

A lawsuit brought on behalf of five workers diagnosed with mesothelioma from asbestos exposure has resulted in a $190 million award against two boiler companies.

The historic verdict was returned by a New York City jury on Tuesday, representing what is believed to be the largest consolidated asbestos verdict in the city’s history.

The trial involves cases brought by former tradesmen against Cleaver-Brooks Inc. and Burnham LLC; two boiler companies that the workers say knowingly exposed them to asbestos products without providing adequate warnings about the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening cancer, and for failing to take adequate steps to protect the workers’ health.

The two companies were the only ones out of dozens who refused to settle with the workers, who worked in construction, plumbing and steamfitting for decades. Three of the five plaintiffs have already died from mesothelioma-related complications.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, which is only known to be caused by exposure to asbestos and breathing asbestos fibers.  It is a lethal disease that is often at a very advanced stage when a diagnosis is made, resulting in a very short life-expectancy.

Mesothelioma litigation is the longest-running mass tort in U.S. history, with more than 600,000 people having filed a lawsuit against more than 6,000 defendants after being diagnosed with cancer that was allegedly caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

In addition to claims for workers exposed to asbestos, in recent years there have been a growing number of mesothelioma lawsuits are brought following second hand exposure, with wives, children and other family members alleging they developed the disease after breathing asbestos fibers brought home in the hair or on the clothing of individuals who worked directly with the material.