January 25th, 2007

A retired police officer and brake repairer is to receive $20 million in compensation from the car giant DaimlerChrysler after he had to have his right lung removed due to cancer that resulted from exposure to asbestos, a deadly carcinogenic that was once used in many applications, including car brake pads.

The State Supreme Court in Manhattan ruled that the 73 year-old man, Alfred D'Ulisse, and his wife were entitled to $25 million in damages. DaimlerChrysler has been held accountable for 80 percent of the compensation awarded, and this is because two of the other companies named as defendants no longer exist.

According to the courts the car giant acted with reckless disregard for the safety of others, and this is why it should take on responsibility for compensation owed by the other defunct companies. However, DaimlerChrysler plans to appeal against the decision and is confident that it will be reversed according to reports. The company was only found to be 10 percent responsible for exposure.

As part of his job the plaintiff used to strip brake linings and install new ones, which resulted in exposure to asbestos. Two other car manufacturers that were held accountable in part for the plaintiff’s injuries settled out of court.