Family Awarded $15 Million in Mesothelioma Case Against Vanderbilt Minerals
In 2023, the family of a man who succumbed to mesothelioma was awarded a $15 million verdict in an asbestos lawsuit in Connecticut. The Connecticut Superior Court jury held Vanderbilt Minerals accountable for the victim’s asbestos exposure, which led to his fatal cancer. Vanderbilt Minerals, a global supplier of raw materials and chemicals, operates an office in Norwalk, Connecticut.
Asbestos Exposure Details
The victim, a father of three adult children, was exposed to asbestos-contaminated talc while working as a process engineer at the General Electric plastics plant in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, from 1965 to 1967. During this period, General Electric sourced asbestos-laden talc from International Talc Co. for producing phenolic molding compounds. Workers, including the victim, handled bags of talc, dumping them into hoppers as part of the manufacturing process.
The talc originated from the Arnold Pit in upstate New York, known for its asbestos content. Asbestos exposure is the sole cause of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lung or abdominal lining. It can also lead to lung and ovarian cancers.
Despite working for General Electric, it was International Talc’s business practices that caused the victim’s asbestos exposure. The company’s collection and sale of asbestos-tainted talc to General Electric were identified as the primary misconduct.
During the trial, evidence showed that Vanderbilt Minerals acquired International Talc Co. in 1974. The jury concluded that Vanderbilt Minerals was responsible for the asbestos exposure resulting from International Talc’s operations.
Understanding Asbestos Contamination in Talc
Asbestos and talc are naturally occurring minerals often found together in regions like the Arnold Pit. The connection between talc and mesothelioma arises from the potential for asbestos contamination during mining. This contamination can occur when talc is extracted for use in plastics or health care products, leading to small asbestos fragments mixing with talc.
Health and beauty companies, such as Johnson & Johnson, face numerous lawsuits from consumers who developed cancer after using talc products. Similarly, workers in plants that utilized talc faced significant asbestos exposure risks.
Throughout the 20th century, plant workers handling talc were frequently exposed to asbestos. If you have mesothelioma and worked in a plastics plant or any facility involving talc or asbestos handling, our patient advocates can help identify your exposure source and liable companies. Contact patient advocate Carl Jewett at [email protected] for more information.
Sources & Author
1. Bridgeport jury awards $15 million in Milford man’s death in asbestos case involving Norwalk company. The Middletown Press. Retrieved from: Middletown Press Article. Accessed: 05/29/2024.
About the Writer: Devin Golden
Devin Golden is a content writer for Mesothelioma Guide, producing informative content on mesothelioma across various platforms, including the Mesothelioma Guide website and social media channels. His goal is to make complex mesothelioma information accessible and helpful for patients and their families.
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