Jury Awards $3.45 Million to Family of Man Who Died from Asbestos-Related Cancer After Decades-Long Exposure

Newport News, VA — A Virginia jury has awarded $3.45 million to the relatives of a Chesterfield County man who succumbed to a rare cancer linked to asbestos, holding the manufacturer of the asbestos products accountable decades after the exposure. James Campbell “Jim” Katcham, a former millwright who passed away at 80 in early 2022, suffered from mesothelioma, a malignant cancer affecting the lung’s lining. The condition has been directly associated with his long-term exposure to asbestos at the DuPont Spruance plant where he worked from 1961 to 1979. During the 11-day trial at Newport … Read more

Family Sues Georgia Department of Corrections for Negligence After Inmate Dies from Alleged Heat Exposure

Atlanta, GA — A Georgia family has filed a lawsuit against the state’s Department of Corrections, alleging negligence in the death of 27-year-old Juan Carlos Ramirez Bibiano, who reportedly died from complications related to heat exposure while incarcerated at Telfair State Prison on July 20, 2023. Ramirez’s death has sparked widespread concern about the conditions inside some of Georgia’s correctional facilities. According to legal representatives, on the day of his death, prison officials had been forewarned about severe heat warnings. Despite advisories issued by Warden Andrew McFarlane urging measures such as limited outdoor time, sufficient … Read more

Jury Orders Exxon Mobil to Pay $725.5 Million for Cancer Claims Linked to Benzene Exposure

Philadelphia — A Philadelphia jury has ordered Exxon Mobil Corp. to pay $725.5 million in damages to a former mechanic who argued that his exposure to benzene in the company’s petroleum products led to his cancer diagnosis. The decision came after Paul Gill, who worked at a Mobil service station from 1975 to 1980, accused Exxon of not adequately warning him about the carcinogenic risks associated with benzene found in gasoline and other solvents. The verdict marks a significant victory for workers seeking accountability from large corporations over health and safety disclosures. According to Patrick … Read more

Idaho Drag Performer Wins $1.1 Million in Defamation Suit Over False Exposure Claims

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — In a compelling legal victory, an Idaho drag performer was awarded over $1.1 million after a jury found that false accusations had been made against him by a far-right blogger. The blogger had claimed that the performer exposed himself to minors during a 2022 Pride celebration, an allegation that was later disproven. The Kootenai County District Court concluded on Friday that Summer Bushnell, the blogger, had defamed Eric Posey, a resident of Post Falls, by circulating a manipulated video of his performance at the event. Posey was depicted in the video … Read more