Middlesex County Superior Judge Heidi Brieger told the jury that a plaintiff's late husband developed lung cancer as a result of smoking cigarettes and exposure to asbestos-laden brakes. The case headed to trial on September 6 in Massachusetts state court.
The victim's family alleges that he used to smoke cigarettes made by R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris, two packs per day for decades. The lawsuit also claims he was exposed to asbestos fibers while working around automotive products at Ford Motor Company and Honeywell International Inc. The lawsuit names the cigarette manufacturers and the motor companies as defendants. While the trial involves both the defendants blaming each other for the man's death, the jury opines both are responsible for the man's mesothelioma, a tumor affecting the lung, heart, and stomach.
Asbestos exposure in manufacturing plants and mines has caused hazardous side-effects to several workers. Lawsuits filed against various industries claim the owners of not adequately warning about the risks of asbestos exposure to the workers.
