Dean Omar Branham Shirley represented family in asbestos-related death of military veteran and chemical engineer

A Connecticut Superior Court judge has added $7.5 million in punitive damages to a $15 million jury verdict against R.T. Vanderbilt Holding Co. Inc. on behalf of the family of a man who died of mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs tied to asbestos exposure.

In May, a jury unanimously found R.T. Vanderbilt liable for Nicholas Barone's death and determined that the company should be subject to punitive damages, the amount of which was decided by Connecticut Superior Court Judge William F. Clark in accordance with state law.

“We are pleased that the court recognized the need for significant punitive damages that reflect the severity of Vanderbilt’s continued conduct,” said attorney Benjamin Braly of Dean Omar Branham Shirley. “Vanderbilt knowingly exposed thousands of Americans to asbestos through their industrial products for decades. We are grateful that the court recognized this outrageous conduct and provided some measure of justice for the Barone family.”

Mr. Barone, a military veteran and chemical engineer who was 81 when he died in 2023, worked at a General Electric plastics facility in Pittsford, Mass., in the 1960s. While there, the plant purchased hundreds of bags of talc from International Talc and dumped them into hoppers as part of the plastics-making process.

Vanderbilt purchased International Talc in 1974 and continued the product line, making it responsible under Connecticut law for Mr. Barone’s death.

“The court’s decision should be a reminder that companies must prioritize safety over profit,” said Trey Branham, name partner at Dean Omar Branham Shirley. “Throughout this case, R.T. Vanderbilt made every effort to avoid liability. We are grateful that the jury and the judge held them responsible."

Mr. Braly and Sam Iola represented Mr. Barone’s widow, Kathryn, alongside Brian Kenney of Early Lucarelli & Sweeny. The case is Kathryn Barone et al. vs. Blue M et al., case number FBT-CV-22-6116587S in Connecticut Superior Court at Bridgeport.

Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP, is a nationally recognized trial firm that handles cases across the country for individuals who have suffered catastrophic injuries or have died as a result of the irresponsible conduct of others. For more information, visit www.dobslegal.com.

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