Court Awards $8.8 Million to Mesothelioma Victim’s Family in Case Against Bell Helicopter

For purposes of this article, the mesothelioma victim in this case will be referred to as B.D.

In a recent court ruling, a jury ordered a helicopter company to pay $8.8 million in damages to the family of B.D. Unfortunately, B.D., a mechanical engineer, passed away from mesothelioma, having been exposed to asbestos primarily through the products he worked with while at Bell Helicopter. In the landmark ruling, the survivors were awarded actual and punitive damages, highlighting how the courts held companies that failed to address the dangers of asbestos exposure accountable.

The case revolved around using asbestos-containing parts, which B.D. was tasked with designing enclosures for heat testing helicopter components. Before his death, B.D. had given testimony during his deposition where he testified that asbestos insulation boards were used for the enclosures., where he was exposed to the deadly asbestos fibers over a long time. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure, often takes decades to manifest after initial contact. B.D.’s family argued that the company’s negligence in addressing the risks of asbestos played a significant role in his illness and death.

Evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that the company continued to manufacture and use asbestos-containing products long after the health risks associated with asbestos were well-known. The jury found that the helicopter company failed to take adequate measures to protect workers like B.D. despite being aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure. The company began monitoring workplace air quality only after nearly 20 years of knowing about the risks and taking no action to safeguard its workers.

Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that gained widespread use in various industries because of its durability and resistance to heat. However, when tiny asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they can lodge in the lungs, abdomen, or heart lining, leading to irritation, inflammation, and scarring. Over time, this can lead to mesothelioma, which is often diagnosed decades after exposure.

While the helicopter company attempted to blame B.D.’s mesothelioma on exposure from other employers and claimed that the asbestos levels in the company were safe, the jury dismissed these arguments and found that B.D.’s illness resulted from the company’s gross negligence. The jury awarded $8.8 million to B.D.’s family, where $ 1 million was awarded in actual damages and $7.8 million in punitive damages. Punitive damages aim to penalize defendants for gross misconduct and discourage similar behavior in the future. The court’s ruling highlights the critical need to hold companies accountable when they neglect safety in favor of profit.

The jury’s decision underscored the company’s duty to safeguard workers from known dangers. By persisting in using asbestos-containing materials, the company displayed a blatant disregard for the health and well-being of those exposed to its products.

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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 you and your family live a more comfortable life.