In December of 2021, Fred R. and his family were awarded $5.6 million in a mesothelioma lawsuit against U.S. Steel and BP Amoco. Fred worked for over 30 years in various U.S. Steel plants in Indiana and Illinois, where he was unknowingly exposed to asbestos.
The reckless exposure to asbestos Fred experienced eventually led to his diagnosis of mesothelioma in 2016. He lived with mesothelioma for 18 months but lost his battle at age 56. Upon his death, his family filed to sue U.S. Steel and BP Amoco, alleging both companies were responsible for Fred’s mesothelioma diagnosis.
Fred’s family claimed U.S. Steel and BP Amoco knew the asbestos in their steel plants could lead to cancer but neglected to improve working conditions. Neither company informed employees of the fatal effects associated with working in an asbestos environment. U.S. Steel and BP Amoco selfishly took the health and safety of their employees into their own hands for financial gain.
Reckless business practices, like those allegedly carried out by U.S. Steel and BP Amoco, has led to many asbestos diseases and long term health issues in Americans, especially those who worked in high-risk occupations.
Reckless Corporate Asbestos Exposure
As the government implemented strict asbestos regulations, asbestos cancer claims began to flood the courts. Throughout the 20th century, corporations across all industries manufactured and distributed asbestos-containing products, without explaining the dangers of the mineral to the workforce. Today, many former employees and consumers are coming forward to hold the irresponsible companies accountable for their actions.
At its peak, asbestos was being used in every corner of the market. The hazards of the mineral were not public yet, which means there were zero regulations or protection requirements in the workplace. The absence of regulations and protective equipment has led to countless innocent people, like Fred, exposed to a mineral known to cause cancer.
Companies known to have created an asbestos-heavy work environment are now fighting asbestos litigation. Many victims claim the corporations knew of the health risks associated with asbestos but continued to produce it anyway. Many of the corporations failed to train their employees on asbestos safety precautions and provide proper protective equipment.
Due to the recklessness of large corporations in the 20th century, many Americans suffer today, whether it’s mild health effects from asbestos exposure or an asbestos disease, like mesothelioma. No amount of money can take back the pain and stress that comes with a mesothelioma diagnosis, but it can relieve some of the financial burden. The corporations responsible for reckless asbestos exposure need to be held accountable, so that no one else can make these same careless mistakes ever again.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact one of our experienced patient advocates or a knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney. You may be entitled to compensation.
Sources & Author
Man Dies of Lung Cancer, Family Wins Suit Against U.S. Steel. WIBC 93.1 FM Indy’s Mobile News. Retrieved from: https://wibc.com/122275/man-dies-of-lung-cancer-family-wins-suit-against-u-s-steel/. Accessed: 10/03/22.
About the Writer, Camryn Keeble
Camryn Keeble is a content writer and community outreach member for Mesothelioma Guide. She creates mesothelioma-related content for the Mesothelioma Guide website. Camryn’s goal is to decipher advanced information regarding mesothelioma into informative, simplified content to educate those affected by mesothelioma. She also works diligently to raise awareness of mesothelioma and its effects on patients and their loved ones by participating in daily outreach.
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