Florids man

A Florida man was awarded one of the largest asbestos-related verdicts in the states history. The company being held responsible for the $24 million verdict is expected to appeal.

A Florida man that grew up working with machine parts on his fathers farm has been awarded more than $24 million this week after a jury found a part manufacturer responsible for the victims mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is usually the result of asbestos exposure; machine and auto parts contained asbestos until the 1980s. The manufacturer being held responsible for the compensation is expected to appeal the verdict, stating that other cases like this had been turned over in the past.

The manufacturer has resolved more than 100,000 asbestos-related cases outside of court but still has 53,000 lawsuits unsettled as of the end of 2007. Mesothelioma normally results from exposure to airborne asbestos, where the particles can be inhaled or ingested into the body. Brake pads made prior to the 1980s contained asbestos that could be released as the brake pad worn down, accumulating dust on the pads containing high levels of the dangerous substance.