Math Instructor

Age:  62

Settlement:  $2.6 Million

Bob had just retired from his career as a math, physics and chemistry instructor when he was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. Prior to his diagnosis, Bob was an active bicyclist and swimmer. He also enjoyed camping, caring for his fruit trees and making preserves with his wife, Darlene. Most importantly, he and Darlene were the guardians of their five year–old grandson.

Bob knew very little about how he might have been exposed to asbestos. Our investigation found two primary sources of asbestos exposure Bob’s past: first, he was exposed to asbestos in drywall joint compounds that were used by his parents during the course of additions they made to their small home in Humboldt County, California.

Although these exposures dated back to the early 1950’s, and Bob had no idea where his parents purchased the joint compounds, we were able to determine which company was responsible. We started a trial with that company, but the defendant paid nearly two million dollars to settle the case before it went to the jury.

We also found that some of the laboratory equipment used in Bob’s chemistry classes had some asbestos components. We obtained substantial additional recoveries from the companies that made and sold the laboratory equipment, for a total settlement of $2.6 million.