Chicago Jury Awards Mesothelioma-Stricken Former Brick Mason $7.4 Million in Compensation for work at Inland Steel

For purposes of this article, the mesothelioma victim in this case will be referred to as A.J.C.

In a recent court decision, a Chicago jury awarded a mesothelioma victim who used to work as a brick mason $7.4 million in compensation after a two-week trial. Mesothelioma is an aggressive illness that develops after someone is exposed to asbestos fibers. A.J.C. was exposed to asbestos while working as a brick mason at Inland Steel. 30% of the liability was assigned to Foseco who manufactured hot tops for steel manufacturing and the other 70% to an insulation contractor, Paul J. Krez.

According to the evidence presented in court, A.J.C. was diagnosed with mesothelioma in early 2023 when he was 76 years old. While getting treatment at the University of Chicago, A.J.C. embarked on a pursuit for answers. A.J.C. explored his work history for potential asbestos exposure and thought back to when he worked at Inland Steel about six decades ago. A.J.C. recalled being around asbestos during the years he worked in the company. He worked at Inland Steel in 1965 and then served in the army for three years before returning to the steel company. For the rest of his career, A.J.C. worked at Inland Steel. Mesothelioma has a long latency period. It can take up to six decades or more for mesothelioma to develop after asbestos exposure.

A.J.C. remembered being exposed to asbestos when working around the Foseco asbestos hot top board the company used in the steel-making process. He also remembered being exposed to asbestos through the dust that was released when Paul J Krez workers installed and removed asbestos pipe covering. At that time, A.J.C. did not know of the danger that the asbestos exposure posed.

As expected, both defendants denied liability for A.J.C.’s mesothelioma. However, the jury was convinced that the companies had been negligent in exposing the plaintiff to asbestos. After only five hours of deliberation, the jury returned a guilty verdict. The jury awarded A.J.C. and his family $7.4 million in compensation. The jury assigned 30% of the liability to Foseco that manufactured the hot top boards Inland Steel used in the steel-making process. The remaining 70% of responsibility was assigned to the Paul J Krez who was the company responsible for installing and removing asbestos pipes at Inland Steel.

As A.J.C. and his family deal with the challenges and uncertainties associated with mesothelioma, this verdict provides them with a sense of closure and justice. Mesothelioma carries significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens for both patients and their families. The compensation awarded by the jury provides financial support to help alleviate the burdens imposed by medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. The acknowledgment that the two companies are to blame for A.J.C.’s illness validates A.J.C.’s and his family’s struggles and suffering. The verdict offers comfort and assurance to A.J.C. and his family that the negligent parties have been held accountable.

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If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.