Illinois Man Wins $5.5 Million in Asbestos Case

November 7, 2006 - A Central Illinois man who worked as an insulator for several decades has won a $5.5 million award in a in a wrongful death suit accusing numerous companies of exposing individuals to asbestos and hiding the risks related to working with and around the material.

Illinois Regional Newspapers reports that John Hoogerwerf “accused numerous companies of a conspiracy to hide the harms of asbestos”, but last week’s verdict was solely against Honeywell International Inc. Hoogerwerf, the paper reports, installed insulation on pipes and boilers using materials sold by Bendix, which eventually became part of Honeywell.  The company denied any wrongdoing and will appeal.

“There is no evidence that Bendix Aviation Corp. (or any of its affiliates) ever conspired with anyone concerning issues pertaining to asbestos, associated health problems, or risks arising from asbestos exposure,” said a Honeywell statement issued Friday. “We will continue to vigorously defend our position, through appeal if necessary. We are confident that we will ultimately prevail as have other defendants in similar cases.”

A lawyer for Hoogerwerf’s wife reported that John began working with asbestos insulation in 1966 when he was a senior in high school, installing insulation on pipes and boilers in power plants and industrial buildings.

Other companies accused of involvement in the conspiracy to cover up the dangers of asbestos exposure include Union Asbestos & Rubber Co., Johns-Manville Corp., Raybestos-Manhattan Inc., Abex Corp., Owens-Illinois, Owens Corning Fiberglass Corp. and Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.  No further lawsuits are pending at this time.