Man Wins $2 Million in Asbestos Suit Against GM and Ford
A former auto mechanic and laborer from Pawtuckett, Rhode Island has been awarded $2 million in a claim against mega automakers, General Motors and Ford.
According to a press release on PR Newswire, Roland Leo Grenier, Sr. was awarded the amount after a lengthy trial in New Castle County (DE) Superior Court.
During the course of his employment at various auto-related facilities, Grenier used several products manufactured by General Motors and Ford that contained asbestos, including vehicle brake and clutch mechanisms. Grenier currently suffers from mesothelioma, an asbestos-caused cancer. The jury determined that his 35 years in the auto industry resulted in his developing the fatal disease.
“Mr. Grenier had no idea that the products he used while providing for his wife and children would later threaten his life,” said his lawyer, Rick Nemeroff. “It’s gratifying to see that the jury agreed that these companies should be held responsible for the pain and suffering caused by their products.”
Testimony in the case showed that officials from General Motors and Ford knew about the dangers of asbestos exposure, states the press release, but did nothing to protect Mr. Greiner.
The trial lasted three weeks and it took the jury ten hours of deliberation to reach the verdict in favor of the plaintiff. In the $2 million compensatory damages verdict, members of the jury assessed 70 percent liability against General Motors; 16 percent against Ford; and 2 percent against seven other defendant companies.
