Hardwick died of mesothelioma cancer in March of 2009. While serving in the U.S. Navy, he worked in areas that were infected with asbestos, a hazardous mineral that contributes to many diseases, including mesothelioma.
Although guidelines for the proper handling and disposing of asbestos are strict today, Hardwick was a Navy officer between the years 1950 and 1970 and protocol back then was not as tightly upheld. Moreover, not much was known about the hazardous effects of asbestos and people, like Hardwick, were exposed to it on a daily basis.
Asbestos was commonly used during Hardick’s time because of its thermal insulating properties as well as durability and strength. It was especially common in the ship building industry, often used in pipe insulation. Because mesothelioma may not develop until up to 50 years after initial asbestos exposure, those who came in contact with it years ago are suffering from it today.
Hardick’s wife, Diane Hardick, sought the help of a mesothelioma attorney to seek justice for her husband’s death. The companies involved in distributing the asbestos-laden products are John Crane, Inc. and Garlock Sealing Technologies.
It was proven that both companies were aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure when they distributed their products and were found guilty of negligence. John Crane, Inc. was charged with $2.99 million for the settlement while Garlock Sealing Technologies settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
The settlement adds to the positive trend that is rising in condemning companies who have exposed others to asbestos recklessly. With a rise in mesothelioma attorneys and increasing awareness of the diseases that stem from asbestos exposure, there is growing hope for victims of the deadly mineral.
