Miami lawyers Marc P. Kunen and Jose Becerra of the Ferraro Law Firm have successfully secured a $70 million jury verdict for Charles E. Thornton, a former lab technician who developed terminal cancer due to asbestos exposure at work.
Key Takeaways
- Verdict Amount: $70 million
- Plaintiff: Charles E. Thornton, 71 years old
- Defendants: Biopharma company Nabi Pharmaceuticals
- Lawyers: Marc P. Kunen and Jose Becerra of the Ferraro Law Firm
- Location: Broward and Miami-Dade counties
- Exposure Period: 1976 to 2010
- Disease: Mesothelioma
Background
Charles E. Thornton, a 71-year-old former lab technician, worked for Nabi Pharmaceuticals in Broward and Miami-Dade counties from 1976 to 2010. His role involved separating plasma from blood using biopharmaceutical equipment. Unfortunately, some of these tools contained asbestos, leading to Thornton’s exposure and subsequent diagnosis of mesothelioma, a terminal cancer.
Legal Battle
In March 2017, Thornton filed a products liability lawsuit against Nabi Pharmaceuticals, alleging that the company’s equipment exposed him to asbestos. Represented by Marc P. Kunen and Jose Becerra of the Ferraro Law Firm, Thornton’s case argued that the company failed to provide a safe working environment, leading to his terminal illness.
The Verdict
After a rigorous legal battle, the jury awarded Thornton a $70 million verdict. This substantial amount reflects the severity of Thornton’s condition and the negligence attributed to Nabi Pharmaceuticals. The verdict serves as a significant win for asbestos exposure victims and highlights the importance of workplace safety.
Implications
This case underscores the critical need for companies to ensure the safety of their employees, particularly when dealing with hazardous materials like asbestos. The $70 million verdict not only provides financial relief to Thornton but also sends a strong message to other companies about the consequences of neglecting employee safety.
Conclusion
The $70 million verdict in favor of Charles E. Thornton marks a pivotal moment in the fight against workplace asbestos exposure. It highlights the relentless efforts of legal professionals like Marc P. Kunen and Jose Becerra in advocating for victims’ rights and holding negligent companies accountable.