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Home / Blog / $36.5 Million Verdict Provides Positive Signal for Libby Mesothelioma Victims

$36.5 Million Verdict Provides Positive Signal for Libby Mesothelioma Victims

Published on July 29, 2022
Paul DanzigerPage Reviewed and Edited by Mesothelioma Attorney Paul Danziger

A $36.5 million damages verdict against an insurance company has sent a positive, hopeful signal to 800 remaining plaintiffs waiting to file claims for mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other diseases related to asbestos exposure in Libby, Montana.

Punitive damages

Lawsuit Chosen as Bellweather for Other Mesothelioma and Asbestosis Cases

The town of Libby, Montana has become synonymous with mesothelioma and asbestosis: It was where the W. R. Grace company operated the vermiculite mine that spread asbestos throughout the town and beyond, sickening and killing thousands of people. When W.R. Grace declared bankruptcy in the face of relentless lawsuits, individuals with claims had nowhere to turn but to the company’s insurance company, Maryland Casualty Company, which had known of the risks that the mine posed.

Over 800 individual victims of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases have claims pending against Maryland Casualty Company. In or to manage the caseload and assess how juries would decide, Judge Amy Eddy of Montana’s special asbestos court chose a single case to be heard. That was the case of Ralph Hutt, a former miner diagnosed with asbestosis after only having worked in the mines for a year-and-a-half. His disability is complete, as he is now dependent upon an oxygen tank and debilitated.

Jury Awards $6.5 Million in Compensatory Damages, $30 Million in Punitive Damages

There is significant evidence that the insurance company knew of the risks of mesothelioma and asbestosis faced by W.R. Grace workers. After reviewing a warning of toxicity from the state of Montana that was only shared with the mine’s management, the company issued a safety guide that never mentioned the word asbestos or made reference to the specific risks it posed, while at the same time urging the company to settle any claims that arose in order to avoid publicity.

Upon hearing the details of Mr. Hutt’s case, the jury awarded him $6.5 million in compensatory damages and $30 million in punitive damages. Though different cases may yield different results, the bellweather case makes clear that the insurance company is likely to face similar verdicts, and may be compelled to offer other victims generous settlements.

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Paul Danziger

Page Reviewed and Edited by Mesothelioma Attorney Paul Danziger

Paul Danziger grew up in Houston, Texas and earned a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago. For over 25 years years he has focused on representing mesothelioma cancer victims and others hurt by asbestos exposure. Paul and his law firm have represented thousands of people diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, recovering significant compensation for injured clients. Every client is extremely important to Paul and he will take every call from clients who want to speak with him. Paul and his law firm handle mesothelioma cases throughout the United States.

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