PHILADELPHIA, May 16 PA-Baron-Budd-PC
PHILADELPHIA, May 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C.
today announced that mesothelioma sufferer James Grumley and his family have
settled with former asbestos manufacturer Garlock Sealing Technologies (based
in Palmyra, NY) for a confidential amount following a jury verdict of $12
million in damages. Grumley contracted mesothelioma -- an excruciating and
fatal cancer associated with asbestos exposure -- after working for decades as
a boiler mechanic at a Johnsonburg paper mill.
"Jim Grumley's cancer was entirely preventable. Asbestos was just too
profitable for Garlock. The worst thing about it is that instead of promptly
eliminating asbestos from their gaskets and packing once they knew what
asbestos could do, Garlock chose to spend decades devising ways to cover up
the cancers its asbestos products cause," said Baron & Budd attorney John
Langdoc. Langdoc and colleagues Ryan Leggiero and Melissa Fair tried the case
on behalf of the family.
The irreversible harm done by years of exposure to the paper mill's
boilers, which were covered in asbestos cement, and to asbestos gaskets and
asbestos rope packing that were used on turbines and steam pipes became
apparent in 2006 when Grumley was diagnosed with malignant pleura
mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a painful and deadly cancer that encases the lining around
the lungs, called the pleura, and turns it from a single cell layer wide to a
thick, hard rind. This inhibits the expansion of the lungs, making it
difficult to breath and causing the nerve endings to scrape torturously
against the hard lining. In some cases, the growing tumor can encase and
fracture the spine, or it can surround and strangle the heart, as it has done
in Grumley's case.
Prior to contracting mesothelioma, Grumley, now 84, played sports with his
grandchildren and shared his love of athletics, music and dancing with his
wife of 55 years, Pat Grumley, and their children Cindy, Bob and Jim. He was
the first member of his family to see his children go to college, and they are
now teachers and principals.
"It breaks my heart because he did everything right," said his son Bob.
"He raised us, he educated us, he labored for us. He did everything right and
he shouldn't have to go through what he's going through. No man, no person
should have to go through what's facing him."
About Baron & Budd, P.C.
Since 1977, the law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C. has championed the rights
of people and communities harmed by corporate misconduct. With more than 40
attorneys and offices in Texas, California, and Louisiana, Baron & Budd enjoys
a national reputation as a leader of the plaintiffs' bar. The firm represents
individuals with mesothelioma and other diseases caused by asbestos; leukemia
caused by benzene; injuries caused by other toxic substances and unsafe
pharmaceuticals; water authorities seeking clean-up costs for drinking water
contamination; securities investors defrauded by corporate wrongdoing; and
consumers in class actions.
CONTACT: Susan Knape of Baron & Budd, P.C. 214-523-6226
SOURCE Baron & Budd, P.C.
