Brayton Purcell, LLP - 222 Rush Landing Road, PO Box 6169, Novato, CA 94945

$6,825,000 Verdict Upheld against Ford in Asbestos Suit

April 15, 2014 By

In November 2012 a jury in Alameda County issued a $6,825,000 verdict against Ford Motor Company in favor of former service-station owner Patrick Scott.  Mr. Scott had been exposed to asbestos, which was used in the manufacture of car parts produced by Ford Motor Company for decades.  The jury found that Ford was aware of the dangers inherent in asbestos related products, but failed to advise Mr. Scott, who later developed mesothelioma as a result of his exposure to asbestos.

In arguing the case, Ford contended that Mr. Scott was a so-called “sophisticated user”, meaning that he should have known about the dangers of using the company’s parts.  The jury rejected that argument, finding that Ford had been negligent, and as a result issued a judgment of 22 percent liability against the company.  Ford then appealed the verdict, stating that the company should not have to pay punitive damages because such damages are not allowed in the state of Michigan, where Ford is headquartered.

A California Appellate Court, after reviewing the case, upheld the judgment against Ford, rejecting the company’s argument in relation to punitive damages.  Saying that Ford would not be granted “a nationwide shield from punitive damage liability,” the Appellate Court contended that, should it rule in the company’s favor, Ford would essentially be free to sell defective parts across the country without fear of punishment.

Asbestos lawsuits will continue into the foreseeable future as the world continues to discover just how many people were affected by this toxic substance. The California asbestos and mesothelioma accident attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, are experts in helping those who have been exposed to asbestos. Call us today at (800) 598-0314 for a free consultation, or contact us online.

Filed Under: Asbestos lawsuits

Two Men Sentenced for Using Highschoolers to Clean Up Asbestos

April 7, 2014 By

Two men from Central California, who were accused of using high school students to remove asbestos from a building, have been sentenced to prison for the crime.

According to the Merced Sun-Star, the two men were sentenced last week as a result of a scheme in which their nonprofit, Firm Build – which had been contracted by Merced County Schools to provide teenagers with job training – actually used the students to remove asbestos from a building in Atwater.

The men were convicted of violating Federal asbestos laws.  One of the men received a 27 month sentence, while the other was sentenced to 24 months.

Asbestos is a highly toxic cancer-causing substance which leads to death.  Mesothelioma, which is caused by persistent asbestos exposure, can develop as a result of asbestos fibers entering the lungs.  Using highschoolers to clean up asbestos was not only reckless, but it was also cruel.  As the country continues to clean up millions of buildings which were treated by asbestos, we hope not to see any more cases such of this sort.

The California asbestos and mesothelioma accident attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, are experts in helping those who have been exposed to asbestos. Call us today at (800) 598-0314 for a free consultation, or contact us online.

Filed Under: California abestos

California Appeals Court Sides with Plaintiff in $ 6.5 Asbestos Verdict

March 31, 2014 By

Asbestos is a naturally occurring material which has long been used in a variety of commercial applications, such as for fire resistance and insulation. But, asbestos has dark side. Despite its beneficial properties, inhalation of asbestos can cause serious diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is this hazardous side of asbestos which recently resulted in a major $6.5 million verdict against Crane Co. in the state of California.

Crane had been sued by a former commercial plumber who died of mesothelioma, which he had contracted as as result of working with Crane’s asbestos contaminated materials – particularly gaskets and valves. The recent verdict was handed down when a California Appeals court found affirmed an earlier verdict.

Asbestos cases are continuing to appear because, often times, asbestos related disease takes many years to appear. But, for those who have been exposed to the substance, debilitating or deadly disease can all too often be the result. The California asbestos and mesothelioma accident attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, are experts in helping those who have been exposed to asbestos. For a free consultation, please call us today at (800) 598-0314 or contact us online.

Filed Under: Asbestos lawsuits, Uncategorized

What to do if You Suspect Asbestos in Your Home

March 3, 2014 By

Materials containing asbestos cannot generally be identified by sight, although you may be familiar with certain products that you have encountered before that were known to be made with asbestos. The number one rule, if you suspect asbestos in your home is to leave it alone. Do visually inspect for worn, torn, or frayed materials, but do not disturb any building materials or try to take samples for testing. Have a certified professional check it out.

When Asbestos is Dangerous

Asbestos is only harmful when it is released into the environment. While it is trapped in intact building materials, it is not doing harm. It does not give off toxic fumes or emit radiation. The problem comes about when the fibers are set free by damaging the product in which they are contained.

This can happen through normal wear and tear in your home, but is more common during remodeling. Most importantly, if you know or think you may have asbestos in your home, do not try to remove it yourself. That is both dangerous and illegal. You must have it removed by a certified asbestos abatement professional.

The California asbestos and mesothelioma accident attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, have extensive experience representing victims of asbestos exposure. For a free consultation, please call us today at (800) 598-0314 or contact us online.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Asbestosis

February 11, 2014 By

Asbestosis is a lung disease caused by asbestos exposure. It is not cancer, but it is not uncommon for people who are diagnosed with asbestosis to later be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Asbestosis is progressive, debilitating, and ultimately fatal. There is no cure, but there are treatments which can extend life and help with quality of life. If you have developed asbestosis, the California asbestos attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, can help you recover compensation that will pay for our medical treatment and care, and help take the pressure off of your loved ones.

Scarring of the Lungs

Asbestosis is progressive scarring of the lungs. When the tiny, sharp asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can get lodged in your lung tissue. There they cause irritation and inflammation. Since your immune system cannot break them down and get rid of them, it encapsulates them in scar tissue. But the irritation and inflammation continue, so your body keeps adding scar tissue.

Eventually this scar tissue impairs you lung function, causing your heart to work overtime trying to compensate for the lack of oxygen.

If you or someone you love has developed asbestosis, please call the California asbestos attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, at (800) 598-0314. We represent asbestosis victims and their families nationwide. We can help you and your family get the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.

Filed Under: Uncategorized
« Previous Page