June 13th, 2005

The estate of a man that claimed asbestos related injuries has been awarded $3.25 million by a Marshall County jury. The jury took just six hours to reach its decision, making the multi-million dollar award for pain, suffering and medical expenses in connection with the asbestos related illness and injury.

Two companies were named as part of the lawsuit – Certain Teed Products Corp. and Garlock Incorporated. Jurors decided that both companies should bear responsibility for the injuries sustained by James Dexter, and both should make payments to the estate by way of compensation.

The lawyer representing one of the companies has stated that the verdict will probably be appealed. However, lawyers representing the estate of Mr. Dexter are very pleased with the outcome of the trial.

Mr. Dexter worked as a pipe filter for forty years, and this is where he claimed to have been exposed to asbestos and suffered health problems. However, officials from one of the companies concerned are adamant that his cancer was the result of smoking and not asbestos exposure.