After filing a mesothelioma lawsuit, the family of a former bowling alley owner has been awarded $4.4 million by a Los Angeles jury.

According to the lawsuit, Donald V. ran a bowling alley for approximately three decades. As part of his job there, he drilled custom-fit holes into the bowling balls sold by the alley.

Unfortunately, these bowling balls contained asbestos, the lawsuit claims. The Honeywell Bendix brake manufacturing plant in New York sold discarded brake lining dust as filler for these balls. For Donald, this was a death sentence, the lawsuit alleges. He was unwittingly exposed to asbestos when he drilled holes into the bowling balls in a small room without using protection—not knowing he needed to.

Donald was diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma in 2012. In 2013, he died from the disease.

The Los Angeles jury found Honeywell 40 percent responsible for Donald’s diagnosis with mesothelioma and subsequent death. The bowling ball manufacturer, Ebonite International Inc., was found 37 percent responsible.

The lawsuit alleges that Honeywell failed to give adequate warning about the risks of exposure to the asbestos it supplied for use in the bowling balls.

Basics of Asbestos

Asbestos
is a type of mineral that is naturally resistant to heat and corrosion, and has historically been used in a wide variety of products (primarily for construction purposes) like insulation, floor tiles, and more.

Asbestos has been classified as a carcinogen—that is, a substance capable of causing cancer. For the last few decades, regulations on asbestos use have been implemented to protect against this dangerous substance.

The Risk of Asbestos Mesothelioma

For years, asbestos has been linked with a number of serious complications, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other diseases. Mesothelioma affects the thin, membranous lining of the chest and abdomen, and can be both aggressive and deadly.

Long-term exposure to asbestos, especially in high quantities, is more likely to cause these problems, but even short-term exposure can pose a risk.

Those who generally face the greatest risk of asbestos-related diseases work in construction, ship repair, or the manufacture of asbestos products.

Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has suffered from mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit cannot undo the pain and suffering caused by cancer, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses and lost wages.

Pursuing asbestos litigation after cancer or a loved one’s death may seem overwhelming in an already difficult time, but Top Class Actions can connect you with an experienced asbestos attorney that can help you navigate the complexities of litigation and maximize your compensation.