Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
Berkshire Hathaway, owned by billionaire investor Warren Buffett, recently filed suit against Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. over claims the auto parts supplier failed to disclose asbestos cancer verdicts and settlements from seven years ago. Berkshire’s lawsuit seeks to absolve itself of reimbursing Goodyear for mesothelioma cancer claims that they claim the defendant never consulted with carrier about.
The suit, filed in federal District Court for the District of Northern Ohio, claims Goodyear informed the underwriter it had exhausted the limits on another insurance policy and may need to make payouts from a Berkshire Hathaway policy. However, Goodyear only recently followed through with a claim under its policy with the plaintiff to make a multi-million dollar payout to asbestos cancer victims.
According to the complaint, the insurance policy was issued by a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Stonewall Insurance, for claims resulting from incidents between July 1976 and July 1977. Berkshire Hathaway wants a declaration from the federal court stating the company is not liable to pay claims resulting from actions from 2008 to 2015.
Thousands of Asbestos Cancer Lawsuits Pending Against Goodyear Tire
Currently, there are over 60,000 asbestos cancer lawsuits across the nation pending against Goodyear Tire in states like Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas over allegations the company used asbestos in many auto products but failed to warn consumers about the risk of exposure. Goodyear used asbestos in products like floor tiles, furnace hoses, gaskets, and heat shields.
A once-common industrial material, asbestos ceased to be a popular substance for most companies to use in the late-1970s after federal regulators and the public finally became aware of the health risks posed by exposure to the mineral. However, even before that, many companies using asbestos-contaminated products were already aware of the health impacts asbestos has on victims, particularly on the respiratory system.
The most serious health issue associated with asbestos is mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer usually affecting thin linings of tissue surrounding the lungs and abdomen that is causally linked to the material. Mesothelioma can take decades to develop and by the time victims begin to show serious signs of the disease, many treatment options are not viable, leaving victims with few options to improve their situation.
Fortunately, the law gives asbestos cancer victims the right to file lawsuits against asbestos companies and hold these entities accountable for the harm they caused so many innocent people. Lawsuits can help victims and their family members recover lost wages, medical expenses, and for the pain and suffering of living with the disease.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyer
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.