Parker Waichman LLP

Bus Manufacturer Navistar Hit with $7.7 Million Asbestos Verdict

A Syracuse, New York, jury has returned a $7.7 million verdict in a wrongful death suit brought against bus manufacturer Navistar International Corp. by the widow of a school bus driver who died of mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos in the school district’s garage. The verdict came on December 19 and is the largest […]

A Syracuse, New York, jury has returned a $7.7 million verdict in a wrongful death suit brought against bus manufacturer Navistar International Corp. by the widow of a school bus driver who died of mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos in the school district’s garage.

The verdict came on December 19 and is the largest asbestos award ever in Syracuse, according to attorneys for the widow. The driver began working for the Fayetteville-Manlius School District in the 1950s, Law360 reports. According to court documents, he regularly spent time in the district garage, clocking in and out, submitting work orders, and speaking with mechanics. He was exposed to asbestos released into the air when work was done on buses that had asbestos-containing parts. He died from mesothelioma in 2012.  The fatal lung disease is linked to exposure to asbestos.

The American Lung Association says approximately 70 to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases are caused by occupational exposure, and the disease usually takes years to develop.  Asbestos fibers build up in the lungs, causing scarring and inflammation, and can affect breathing and lead to asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, according to the National Institutes of Health. Asbestos was widely used for much of the twentieth century as an insulator and fireproofing material, often mixed with other materials to add heat- and fire-resistant properties to building materials, machine and appliance parts, and fabrics. Workers in many industries were exposed to asbestos and have developed asbestos-related illnesses.

On December 4, another Syracuse jury returned a $400,000 verdict in an asbestos suit brought against commercial flooring manufacturer American Biltrite Inc. and other defendants, but found the companies to each only be 3.57 percent liable for plaintiff John Colasanti’s 25 percent liability for his cancer, thus drastically reducing the amount of actual damages awarded, Law360 reports.

 

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Joanne M. Stevens nurse at Parker and Wakeman has been very helpful knowledgeable and tentative to my case. I have questions she has answers she addresses all my concerns. The world needs more case managers like her. Bottom line great nurse, great service, highly recommended. AAA+!+
Lewis
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Great friendly staff lawyer always keep me updated about my case thank you so much Mr.Danny and your staff always called to check on me to see if I'm ok and if I'm feeling better they truly do care.
Nora Martinez
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value PW already a reputable Law Firm still exceeded my expectations. PW did an outstanding job.
Charles Jones
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038