World Trade Center Worker and Wife Awarded $117 Million After Mesothelioma Diagnosis

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

In a recent court decision, a New York jury awarded a record-breaking verdict to a former World Trade Center (WTC) worker, Mr. W.D., and his wife, following a devastating malignant mesothelioma diagnosis. The two have been seeking compensation for the last three years, and in May, they finally emerged victorious. This case is a significant example of how mesothelioma victims can spend many years fighting for the justice and compensation they deserve. It is an example of how victims and their families can still triumph despite going up against powerful companies.

Mr. W.D., a former metal worker involved in the construction of the World Trade Center in the 1970s, was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma three years ago. Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive type of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. Often, mesothelioma develops decades after initial asbestos exposure. In W.D.’s case, it took nearly 50 years for symptoms of the disease to emerge after his work on the WTC site. During that time, W.D. was unaware that his routine tasks, such as scraping off fireproofing in the building while installing ducts, had exposed him to the dangerous substance.

After his diagnosis, Mr. W.D. and his wife filed a lawsuit seeking justice and compensation. In their original lawsuit, they named WTC contractor Mario & DiBono (M&D) Plastering Co. and other parties, such as the Port Authority, as the defendants. By the time the case reached the NY jury, only M&D remained as a defendant. During the trial, the jury had testimony about Mr. W.D.’s responsibilities on the WTC construction site. His duties exposed him to dangerous asbestos fibers without proper protective measures. This exposure ultimately led to his malignant mesothelioma.

This case was not the first against Mario & DiBono. The company has faced legal action related to asbestos exposure before. In a previous case, the company was ordered to pay $28.5 million to a pipefitter. In another case, it was ordered to pay $12.5 million. In W.D.’s case, the jury found that M&D had acted recklessly by failing to exercise reasonable care. The jury was also touched by the suffering Mr. W.D. and his wife had endured over the last three years.

The jury’s verdict included $78 million for W.D.’s past and future pain and suffering and an additional $39 million for his wife’s past and future loss of consortium. In total, the family was awarded $117 million in damages. This combined award has set a record in mesothelioma cases in New York and nationwide.

This case is a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of asbestos exposure and how important it is for victims and their families not to give up on holding companies accountable for their negligent actions. It is also a reminder for victims and their families to seek professional legal representation.

Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers

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.