Ford Motor Company is being sued for the wrongful death of a Louisiana mechanic and generator service technician. According to the claim, the mechanic died from peritoneal mesothelioma as a result of years of asbestos exposure working for Ford.
The mechanic filed an employer negligence claim against Ford but passed away a year later. The mechanic’s family are now the plaintiffs in the suit.
Although Ford filed a motion for summary judgment against the claim, the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana denied the companies motion, explaining the causation of death is for a jury to decide.
Witnesses testify that the mechanic could have been exposed to significant amounts of asbestos while servicing brakes on Ford trucks, leading to mesothelioma and death. Ford argues that witness testimony is not enough to prove causation.
The court gave a thorough description explaining why the case will move forward. Summary judgment is only warranted when there is no possible dispute as to any material fact. In this case, the court ruled that there was enough evidence for dispute. It also ruled that a verdict could be reached on behalf of the plaintiffs, thus the case will move forward.
What’s next?
If the plaintiffs can prove that Ford Motor Company knowingly and carelessly exposed the mechanic to high levels of asbestos, they may be entitled to compensation.
Wrongful death suits are especially tragic to families. It is often hard for the family to cope with the loss knowing that it could have been prevented. If you have lost a loved one due to employer negligence, reach out to an attorney. You and your loved ones deserve justice.