NEW YORK – Sokolove Law is proud to announce a landmark $40.1 Million verdict secured on behalf of Walter Twidwell, an 81-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, a deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
The mesothelioma verdict was awarded in New York County Supreme Court against Goodyear, which was found liable for supplying asbestos-containing products that Walter encountered during his military service.
Because his service required him to constantly handle gaskets and packing materials that contained asbestos, the jury found that Walter was exposed to asbestos dust released from the manipulation of Durabla and Cranite gaskets manufactured by Goodyear.
The mesothelioma claim helped Walter pay for medical care, fight this cancer for years after his diagnosis, and give back to his local community and church.
A Dedicated Service Member Betrayed
At 17, Walter joined the U.S. Navy, inspired by his uncle, who served on the Battleship Texas during World War I. Serving in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Walter recalled being proud to wear his uniform and putting his heart into his job.
A former Chief Petty Officer, Walter served nearly 20 years in the U.S. Navy before retiring in 1973. Throughout his time in the U.S. Navy, he served as a boiler tender and fireman, responsible for maintenance and repairs in the engine and fire rooms of seven naval ships.
Although Walter knew the materials he worked with contained asbestos, he was never warned that the substance was dangerous or could cause cancer.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that the dangers of asbestos were known since the early 1900s, and Goodyear knew of the hazards as early as 1939. However, the company failed to warn users about the dangers associated with its asbestos-containing gasket material.
“When I got told they knew many years prior what asbestos would do to the human being, I got mad," he said, adding, "Heck with this noise. They’re gonna hear from me."
Fighting for Justice and Dignity
Before his diagnosis, Walter lived a self-sufficient and independent life in Washington state, where he built a log cabin by hand, logged his property, and grew his own food. During his testimony, Walter stated he was physically unable to live his life the same as before due to the bouts of pneumonia and shortness of breath.
“I can’t cut wood or raise a big garden or anything anymore,” he lamented. “It hurts because I had been so independent, and all of a sudden, I can’t do anything for myself.”
After a 2-week trial, the jury awarded Walter with a $40.1 Million verdict in compensatory damages. The New York jury deliberated for less than 2 hours before holding Goodyear liable. This award is intended to compensate Walter for the loss of his self-reliance and dignity.
“This verdict honors the service and sacrifice of a man who gave his life to his country, only to have it put at risk by corporate negligence,” said Ricky LeBlanc, managing attorney of Sokolove Law. “No one who served our country should suffer because corporations concealed the truth about asbestos. We’re honored to have helped Mr. Twidwell’s voice be heard.”
Walter noted that his mesothelioma lawyers earned the result by building a solid case, compiling evidence that left the jury little choice but to rule in his favor.
“They were prepared — they could go back to day 1 and had the paperwork to back them up,” Walter added.
Although Walter has sadly passed away, his legacy continues to inspire our ongoing commitment to fighting on behalf of veterans and their families.
Sokolove Law: Fighting for Mesothelioma Clients in All 50 States
As one of the first truly national mesothelioma law firms, Sokolove Law has helped thousands of mesothelioma patients and their families secure justice and compensation from the companies responsible.
If you or your loved one used talc products and now has an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation that can help pay for treatment and more.
For over 45 years, Sokolove Law has:
- Secured billions in mesothelioma compensation for clients across all 50 states
- Successfully helped over 9,200 families affected by asbestos exposure
- Worked on a contingency-fee basis, not accepting any upfront fees or costs from our clients
Our mesothelioma lawyers will travel to you and handle every step of the legal process on your behalf, including proving how you were exposed to asbestos.
Get a free case review now to find out more about your eligibility. We're available 24/7, and there's no cost to speak with us.
