Largest Asbestos Verdicts in History

Braver Law April 26, 2023

Asbestos has been known to cause cancer and other serious health conditions for over a century, and yet companies continued to use the toxic material in their products, putting countless people at risk. As a result, victims of asbestos exposure have been awarded massive settlements and verdicts in order to compensate them for the harm caused.

Here are some of the largest asbestos verdicts:

  1. Johnson & Johnson (2018) – $4.69 billion

In 2018, a Missouri jury awarded $4.69 billion to 22 women who developed ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder, which contained asbestos. The verdict was the largest ever against the company and was set to be split between the plaintiffs.

  1. Philip Morris USA (2002) – $28 billion

In 2002, a California jury awarded $28 billion in punitive damages to a smoker who developed lung cancer after years of smoking cigarettes containing asbestos. The verdict was later reduced to $28 million.

  1. Celanese Corp. (1994) – $2.2 billion

In 1994, a Texas jury awarded $2.2 billion in a class-action lawsuit on behalf of thousands of workers who were exposed to asbestos while working at Celanese Corp. The verdict was later reduced to $328 million.

  1. John Crane Inc. (2016) – $70 million

In 2016, a New York jury awarded $70 million to the family of a man who died from mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The man worked as a mechanic and was exposed to asbestos while repairing brakes and clutches.

  1. Union Carbide Corp. (2001) – $130 million

In 2001, a Texas jury awarded $130 million to a man who developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos while working for a Union Carbide subsidiary. The verdict was later reduced to $73.5 million.

These verdicts show that victims of asbestos exposure can achieve justice and compensation for the harm caused. However, it also reminds us that the use of asbestos in products and construction has had devastating consequences for so many individuals and families. It is important that companies continue to be held accountable for putting people at risk and that steps are taken to prevent future cases of exposure to this toxic material.