Company Pays Out Over $11 Million In Asbestos Case -- MesoLink.org -- 07-24-06

A San Francisco jury awarded a navy veteran over $1 million in damages for asbestos related health problems he suffered while working in the navy. The man was diagnosed with asbestosis two years ago, and has been on around the clock oxygen and medication for two years.

His wife was also awarded nearly half a million dollars for loss of companionship. Furthermore the jury added another 10 million in punitive damages after finding that the defendant, Asbestos Corporation Ltd, acted with malice or oppression.

The plaintiff, Joseph Garza, worked as a fireman and a boilerman between 1948 and 1957, while serving in the navy. He was diagnosed with asbestosis in 2004, and for the last two years has been on twenty-four hour supplemental oxygen.

His wife is also disabled, and until her husband became too ill she relied on him to carry out everyday tasks for her, according to reports. However, he is now too ill to take on any of the tasks.