Family Awarded $2.6 Million in Mesothelioma Case

An Illinois court has awarded $2.6 million to the family of Jean Holmes who at the age of 93 lost her battle with mesothelioma. Her two sons, Rodger and John Holmes, filed the lawsuit after their mother had passed away in April of 2006.

Mesothelioma is a fatal cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. The naturally occurring mineral was popularly mined at the turn of the century and used in many building materials such as floor tiling and piping. Not until the 1970s did the government implement regulations when it was found that exposure to asbestos can lead to a number of illnesses. Symptoms typically take 20 to 50 years to appear and at that time, it is often too late for any effective treatment.

Court documents state that Jean Holmes was exposed to asbestos when washing her husband’s work clothing. Her husband, David Holmes worked for Union Asbestos and Rubber Company, now UNARCO, between 1962 and 1963.

The three week case ruled in favor of Jean Holmes and her two sons with lawyers stating that Jean and David Holmes were not made aware of the dangers associated with asbestos exposure. It only took the jury two and a half hour to determine that Jean Holmes’ illness was caused by companies listed in the suit.

The defendants include Pneumo Abex LLC and Honeywell International Inc. who were accused of working with other companies to cover up the hazards of asbestos. The companies involved include UNARCO, John-Manville, Raybestos-Manhattan, Owens-Illinois, Owens Corning and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

When filing a lawsuit over an asbestos-related disease, many are looking for the coverage of medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering caused by illness or for the wrongful death of a loved one.