Greetings, dear readers! In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about lawsuits against Otis Elevator involving mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly form of cancer that can develop in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries until the 1970s. Unfortunately, many people who worked with or around asbestos were not aware of its dangers, and as a result, they developed mesothelioma.
Introduction to Otis Elevator
Otis Elevator is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (UTC), and it is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. The company was founded in 1853 by Elisha Otis, who invented the safety elevator, a device that prevents the elevator from falling if the hoisting cable fails. Otis Elevator has offices and manufacturing facilities in many countries around the world, including the United States, China, and India.
The Link Between Otis Elevator and Mesothelioma
While Otis Elevator did not manufacture asbestos-containing products, the company used these products in its elevators and other equipment. As a result, many Otis Elevator employees and contractors were exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma. In recent years, there have been several lawsuits filed against Otis Elevator by mesothelioma victims and their families.
Lawsuits Against Otis Elevator Involving Mesothelioma
The First Otis Elevator Mesothelioma Lawsuit
The first lawsuit against Otis Elevator involving mesothelioma was filed in 1998 by the family of a man who worked as an elevator mechanic for Otis from 1947 to 1979. The man developed mesothelioma and died in 1997. The lawsuit alleged that Otis Elevator knew or should have known about the dangers of asbestos and failed to warn its employees and contractors.
The Outcome of the First Otis Elevator Mesothelioma Lawsuit
The case went to trial in 2004, and the jury awarded the man’s family $20.8 million in damages. The jury found that Otis Elevator was negligent in its use of asbestos-containing products and failed to warn its employees about the health risks. The verdict was later reduced to $15 million.
Other Otis Elevator Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Since the first lawsuit against Otis Elevator, there have been several other lawsuits filed by mesothelioma victims and their families. Some of these lawsuits have been settled out of court, while others have gone to trial.
The Largest Otis Elevator Mesothelioma Lawsuit
In 2017, a California jury awarded $30 million in damages to a man who worked as an elevator mechanic for Otis Elevator from 1958 to 1990. The man developed mesothelioma and sued Otis Elevator, alleging that he was exposed to asbestos while working on Otis Elevator equipment. The jury found that Otis Elevator acted with malice and awarded the man punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.
Lawsuits Against Otis Elevator Subsidiaries
It is important to note that some of the lawsuits involving Otis Elevator and mesothelioma have been filed against subsidiaries of Otis Elevator, such as Otis Canada and Otis Korea. These lawsuits allege that the subsidiaries used asbestos-containing products in their equipment or failed to warn their employees about the health risks.
Table of Lawsuits Against Otis Elevator Involving Mesothelioma
| Year | State | Plaintiff | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Connecticut | The family of an Otis Elevator mechanic | $20.8 million in damages (later reduced to $15 million) |
| 2004 | Texas | The family of an Otis Elevator mechanic | Undisclosed settlement |
| 2007 | New York | An Otis Elevator mechanic | $3.5 million in damages |
| 2012 | California | The family of an Otis Elevator mechanic | $27.3 million in damages |
| 2017 | California | An Otis Elevator mechanic | $30 million in damages (including punitive damages) |
FAQs About Lawsuits Against Otis Elevator Involving Mesothelioma
1. What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly form of cancer that can develop in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos.
2. What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries until the 1970s. It is now known to be a potent carcinogen.
3. What is Otis Elevator?
Otis Elevator is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (UTC), and it is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways.
4. Did Otis Elevator manufacture asbestos-containing products?
No, Otis Elevator did not manufacture asbestos-containing products. However, the company used these products in its equipment, which exposed many employees and contractors to asbestos.
5. When was the first lawsuit against Otis Elevator involving mesothelioma filed?
The first lawsuit against Otis Elevator involving mesothelioma was filed in 1998 by the family of a man who worked as an elevator mechanic for Otis from 1947 to 1979.
6. How many lawsuits have been filed against Otis Elevator involving mesothelioma?
There have been several lawsuits filed against Otis Elevator involving mesothelioma.
7. What was the outcome of the largest Otis Elevator mesothelioma lawsuit?
In 2017, a California jury awarded $30 million in damages to a man who worked as an elevator mechanic for Otis Elevator from 1958 to 1990.
8. Can anyone file a lawsuit against Otis Elevator involving mesothelioma?
A mesothelioma victim or their family members can file a lawsuit against Otis Elevator if they believe that the company’s negligence caused their illness.
9. How long does it take to settle a lawsuit against Otis Elevator involving mesothelioma?
The length of time it takes to settle a lawsuit against Otis Elevator involving mesothelioma varies depending on the circumstances of the case.
10. What is the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit against Otis Elevator involving mesothelioma?
The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit against Otis Elevator involving mesothelioma varies by state. It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
11. How much compensation can a mesothelioma victim receive in a lawsuit against Otis Elevator?
The amount of compensation a mesothelioma victim can receive in a lawsuit against Otis Elevator depends on the circumstances of the case.
12. Can Otis Elevator be held responsible for the actions of its subsidiaries?
Yes, Otis Elevator can be held responsible for the actions of its subsidiaries if they are found to have acted negligently.
13. What should I do if I think I have mesothelioma from working with Otis Elevator equipment?
If you think you have mesothelioma from working with Otis Elevator equipment, you should consult with a doctor and an attorney as soon as possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lawsuits against Otis Elevator involving mesothelioma are a serious issue that affects many people around the world. While the company did not manufacture asbestos-containing products, it used these products in its equipment, which exposed many employees and contractors to asbestos. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe that Otis Elevator’s negligence caused your illness, it is important to consult with an attorney right away. Together, we can hold companies accountable for their actions and prevent future harm.
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Closing/Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. The use of this article does not create an attorney-client or doctor-patient relationship. Consult with an attorney or doctor for advice specific to your case.
