Mesothelioma Lawyer

A court in a landmark ruling Tuesday ordered a company to pay compensation to the family of a worker who died from the aftereffects of exposure to asbestos. The ruling, Korea’s first to recognize the danger of asbestos and hold an employer liable, paving the way for similar suits. The Daegu district court ordered an asbestos producer to pay $9 million in damages to the family of the woman, who died last year of malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer caused by asbestos dust.

The judge found the company negligent of its duty of care for the employee. Although it was aware of the danger of the substance, it did not provide protective gear to staff, install a ventilation system or try to raise awareness of the dangers. However, the judge admitted the victim’s partial liability for failing to protect herself. The woman, named as Won, worked at the company in Busan for two years from 1976. Although she was not diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma until 2004, 26 years after she had left the company, she sued for compensation.