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Mesothelioma Chemist Awarded 2.5 Million Dollars

A New York chemist has been awarded 2.5 million dollars in personal injury compensation after being diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer due to working with asbestos.

James Ginter of Buffalo, New York, was employed by the Durez Plastics company of North Tonawanda, New York from 1979 as a laboratory chemist. The company produced industrial resins and phenolic moulding compounds for the automobile industry and, as part of his duties, James was required to use a Friction Assessment Screening Test Machine, manufactured by car-maker Ford Motors.

In the process of using this machine, James had to grind experimental friction products used as car brakes – products which contained asbestos, and which produced a visible cloud of asbestos dust while the filing operation was under way. Despite being aware of the harmful effects of asbestos, Ford Motors manufactured this machine without providing any warnings about its use.

After seeking legal advice, James took both the Durez Plastics company and Ford Motors to court, claiming that they were jointly responsible for his incurable condition. After a two week trial at the Erie County Supreme Court, a jury found in favour of James and awarded him 2.5 million dollars, with liability shared between the two defendants.