Little Rock Mesothelioma Attorney

Brake shoe linings commonly contained asbestos in the 1970s. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause:

• Mesothelioma
• Asbestosis
• Lung cancer
• Lung tissue scarring
• GI tract cancers

The term friable describes any asbestos-containing product that could be crushed, pulverized, or turned into powder by use of the human hand. Examples would include pipe insulation. Non-friable asbestos items are those where asbestos is sometimes said to be “locked” into the product, but these items can be dangerous also.

Numerous cases of fatal mesothelioma have been connected to automobile braking systems, and a Little Rock man who worked at a Little Rock rake shop in the 1970s and 1980s received a big jury verdict a couple of years ago.

Ronald Thomas worked at Stuart’s Brake Shop in Little Rock and at another location in North Little Rock. Every day Thomas performed 10 to 12 brake jobs. These brake jobs entailed the removal of brake pads and required their replacement. During the brake pad removal process, the pad itself--a non-friable asbestos-containing item--had to be sometimes pried off and damage would result. That damage released fatal asbestos fibers into the air, and Thomas’ attorneys argued that Thomas developed lung problems that were caused by those asbestos fibers.

A company called Bendix was a major brake shoe manufacturer, and Bendix was purchased by Allied Signal. Allied Signal was subsequently purchased by Honeywell International, Inc. Because of the purchase terms, Honeywell became responsible for all previous company liabilities. Therefore, even though Bendix made the brake shoes, Honeywell, as the current company owner, was sued and ultimately had to pay Thomas an $18,500,000 jury award.

Mesothelioma is incurable. It is progressive and also fatal, A period of time called the latency period is key in asbestos cases. Lung effects can take 20 to even 50 years to manifest themselves and that is why new mesothelioma cases are being discovered today, even 50 years after exposure.

Two companies involved in the lawsuit settled before the trial. Pneumo Apex LLC and Genuine Parts Co. a/k/a Napa Auto Parts, were each found to be about nine percent at fault. Because of Thomas’ loss of life, pain and suffering, and medical expenses, he was awarded just under $6,000,000.

The jury was asked the technical question, “Do you find, by clear and convincing evidence, that Honeywell International Inc. knew or should have known that its conduct would naturally and probably result in injury and that it continued such conduct in reckless disregard of the consequences of its action?" They answered, “Yes,” and therefore added $10,000,000 of punitive damages payable by Honeywell.

• Baldwin Company
• Ceco Corp.
• Horton Drywall
• Rawland’s Truck Leasing
• Rock Steel
• Sieberts
• Smith Fiberglass
• Southwest independent Contractors
• Valark Construction
• West & Company

Asbestos can be lurking in many items still found today. In addition, serious exposure--even up to 50 years ago--can cause current disease. If you are worried about asbestos in your home or workplace, you need to contact a qualified mesothelioma attorney like the Throneberry Law Group. The Throneberry Law Group provides aggressive and compassionate support and representation for asbestos cancer victims. Call an experienced Little Rock Mesothelioma Attorney today at (888) 506-1131, or visit them online for 24/7 assistance.