New York Jury Delivers Unanimous Mesothelioma Verdict Against Honda Motors
For years, automobile manufacturers continued selling asbestos-containing parts despite knowing that exposure to the toxic mineral could cause mesothelioma and other cancers. Many mechanics and other auto workers have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases as a result. Recently, a New York man filed suit against Honda Motors, blaming the auto giant’s failure to warn of these dangers for his fatal illness. The New York jury hearing the case reached a unanimous decision in the victim’s favor.
Multiple Asbestos Companies Named in New York Mesothelioma Lawsuit
The plaintiffs in the mesothelioma claim were Michael C. Wagner and his wife. The New York man filed suit against multiple companies, accusing them of negligently exposing him to asbestos without providing any warning of the dangers posed by the carcinogenic mineral hidden within their products. Though his original claim named Amchem Products, American Biltrite, BMW of North America, Westinghouse Electric, Ford Motor Company, General Electric, and many others, at the time of the trial, only North American Honda Motor Company (Nissan) remained; the rest had either been dismissed or settled out of court.
The six-person New York jury seated in Mr. Wagner’s claim listened to weeks of testimony about his exposure to American Honda’s products, how asbestos causes mesothelioma and other illnesses, what the company had known about the dangers of its products, and how the diagnosis had impacted the Wagners’ lives. At the end, they unanimously decided in the couple’s favor, awarding him $300,000 for his past pain and suffering and an additional $300,000 for the pain and suffering it is anticipated he will suffer in the future.
Mesothelioma Jury’s Decision Reflects Failure to Warn of Asbestos Dangers
The jury’s decision in the mesothelioma case rested on Nissan’s failure to exercise reasonable care in the use of its asbestos-containing products. The company’s failure to warn that its parts contained asbestos and that those exposed to them were at risk of deadly diseases was viewed as a substantial factor in Mr. Wagner’s diagnosis and negligent, thus justifying the significant damages award.
Interestingly, though the jury only decided the case involving Nissan, they also determined that he had been exposed to asbestos from products made, sold, and/or distributed by other companies as well, though those companies were not present as defendants in the trial.
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