Gerald Gary of Dallas, Texas was a member of the United States Navy for 20 years. During his time in the service, he worked repairing parts on vessels including thousands of asbestos-laden gaskets and pumps. Asbestos was widely used on ships since it was discovered to have natural heat and fire resistant properties.
Twenty years of breathing in fibers from those parts caught up with Gary decades later when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. He took his case to court, and was awarded a substantial amount for his medical bills, pain and suffering — $4 million.
Unfortunately, it was already too late for Gary. He died 16 months after his diagnosis at the age of 75. His videotaped deposition appeared at trial after his death. Gary’s lawyers told the jury that his death was preventable—and it was.
As in most cases, the manufacturers of the gaskets and pumps that Gary used were well aware that the asbestos they contained would be harmful to the health of those who worked with them. They purposely kept this information from consumers to make a profit at the expense of public health.
Tags: Asbestos, asbestos exposure, Mesothelioma