1. Skip to header
  2. Skip to main
  3. Skip to content
  4. Skip to sidebar
  5. Skip to footer
Posted on Thursday, Oct 22, 2009

$2.25 Million Awarded in Mesothelioma Death

Belluck & Fox, one of the leading law firms in the United States representing individuals with asbestos and mesothelioma claims, won a $1.5 million verdict and $750,000 in punitive damages against Fisher Controls International. Belluck & Fox represented the family of Ronald Drabczyk who died from mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos while on the job at Hooker Chemical in Buffalo, New York.

Drabczyk repaired valves, from 1970 to 1988, manufactured by Fisher Controls and sold to Hooker Chemical which contained asbestos gaskets and packing. The evidence presented during the trial proved that Fisher was aware of the presence of asbestos and the associated dangers as far back as 1946, and that they acted negligently in failing to warn of those dangers.

This case is the first instance that Fisher Controls has been found liable for using asbestos in its products, as well as being the first punitive damage award in an asbestos case in New York State in more than 20 years. Attorney Jordan Fox stated, “the punitive damage verdict underscores that corporations have a duty to workers to protect them from hazards known or knowable regarding their products.”

See the full story.