Jury Awards Mesothelioma Victim $40 Million in Case Against Goodyear

Sep 12,2018

Last month, a New York jury awarded $40.1 million to J. Walter Twidwell, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma after years of asbestos exposure while serving in the Navy. Twidwell’s lawsuit was filed against Goodyear, the manufacturer of Durabla and Cranite gaskets that were the source of his asbestos exposure.

While serving as a boiler tender in the Navy, Twidwell performed maintenance and repairs in the engine and fire rooms of several ships. According to the lawsuit, the manipulation of the gaskets manufactured by Goodyear released asbestos dust. This exposure led Twidwell’s mesothelioma diagnosis decades later (mesothelioma has a latency period of 10-50 years).

During the trial, Twidwell’s attorney presented evidence that indicated Goodyear knew of the dangers of asbestos as early as 1939, yet failed to warn about its gaskets, which contained asbestos.

Twidwell was a healthy and active person before his diagnosis. After experiencing symptoms including a cough and shortness of breath in early 2017, he went to the doctor and a mass was discovered in his right lung. Twidwell was diagnosed with mesothelioma in March 2017. The retired Chief Petty Officer said that his illness has made him unable to live his life in the same active way as he had in the past, and that he now has to rely on others for help with basic things.

“While this verdict cannot make up for the plaintiff’s suffering and loss of lifestyle, we are glad he has received fair compensation for his damages,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured by a defective product and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, El Centro, and Yucca Valley, and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.