Many people associate a Rolls-Royce with extreme luxury and wealth. Much like a Lamborghini or Ferrari, many have never seen one driving on a highway or on a city street. These are cars we see on TV shows, movies, and in museums.
Victim’s son says his father worked for the British luxury automaker as an electrician starting when he was only 15 years old. This was in 1945. He worked for the company until he was 21 year old, when he joined the army. Following his time in service, he returned to the automaker in 1956 and worked there for eight more years. At age 82, victim was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma and a tumor in his thyroid. He died shortly after being diagnosed with the deadly cancers. Doctors believe the tumor on his thyroid was a secondary cause of death and was related to the occupational asbestos exposure.
The autopsy report noted extensive evidence of asbestos fibers in his lungs, and there was very little doubt as to what caused his deadly illness. It was also determined as part of an official finding that his asbestos exposure was likely a direct result of his time at the luxury car factory, and he was not exposed to any other significant amount of asbestos during other times in his life.
One of the worst things about these types of cases, and the reasons Boston asbestos injury lawyers are able to help victims and their families obtain substantial financial compensation in various situations is because, while the general public, including factory workers, had no idea they were literally being poisoned every day at work, those in the asbestos industry were very much aware of the harm their products were causing. Not only didn’t they stop using the deadly substance or even warn people about the dangers of asbestos fibers, they actually took great efforts to hide the dangers. We have even seen cases where asbestos manufacturers sold asbestos specifically marketed as a safe alternative to asbestos. This willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others is one of the reasons juries have been willing to award punitive damages to punish defendants and a send a message that this type of conduct will not be tolerated by our society.
In some cases, these additional damages are known as exemplary damages, as they are designed to make an example out of a particular defendant. This is where we see verdicts in the amount of millions of dollars. However, it is important to note that every case is different, as the facts are never the same, and punitive damages may or may not be valid in your particular case. It is also important to note that in this case with the luxury car maker, while there has been an official coroner’s finding, there has not been a civil claim of negligence as of this time.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma in Massachusetts, call for a free and confidential appointment at (617) 777-7777.
Additional resources:
Former Rolls-Royce electrician died after exposure to asbestos, October 13, 2015, Derby Telegraph
More Blog Entries:
Asbestos In City Buildings Poses Risk, August 12, 2014, Boston Mesothelioma Layers Blog