ASBESTOS IN THE NEWS
W.R. Grace to pay up to $140M for mesothelioma-causing insulation claims

W.R. Grace trial: Current and former executives still face criminal charges in February '09 asbestos-mesothelioma trial

December 4, 2008 -- W.R. Grace and Co. has agreed to pay up to $140 million to settle property damage claims involving the company’s asbestos-contaminated insulation. Home and business owners who used the attic and wall insulation for their property will benefit from the settlement.

The settlement developed because W.R. Grace negligently used the naturally occurring mineral asbestos in their Zonolite insulation.

Asbestos is an extremely toxic substance that has been linked to several forms of disease, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Those who are exposed to asbestos, even just once, will likely experience great risk in developing either one of these harmful diseases.

W.R. Grace chose not to specify how many people had filed claims. According to government officials, an estimated 35 million homes and businesses have had Zonolite insulation installed in their property.

To this date, current and former executives of W.R. Grace continue to face criminal charges in relation to the company’s Libby, Mont., mine operation, where much of the Zonolite manufactured in the U.S. came from.

Time to seek justice and damages for medical bills

Despite the serious health problems linked to asbestos exposure, asbestos is still imported and used in the United States. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. imported and used an estimated 1,820 tons of asbestos in 2007.

Government sources estimate that in the next decade more than 35,000 people nationwide will be diagnosed with the deadliest form of asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. This disease is most often the result of industrial workplace exposure to asbestos – and usually contracted through employers’ blatant disregard for the health and safety of their workers.

That’s why people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their family members have strong cases in court. Weitz & Luxenberg has protected the legal rights of workers for 25 years – longer than most law firms in the nation. And in that time its attorneys have won several billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for its clients.

If you have a mesothelioma injury, please complete the form on this page for a free evaluation of your legal rights. There is no cost to you until we win a settlement or a verdict.