John Martin Murphy
July 30, 2021
Sharon Jennings finally got her day in court. Her claim was filed just before the pandemic struck, shutting down courtrooms across the country. After a long wait, a jury awarded her a $10,657,189 verdict against the company responsible for her husband’s tragic death.
Darrell Jennings was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos. Unbeknownst to Mr. Jennings, he was exposed to deadly asbestos fibers while working as a mechanic.
Asbestos dangers are well-documented
The dangers of asbestos exposure are well known now, but the asbestos industry hid what it knew for many decades. While thousands of workers died, the link between asbestos and cancer was kept secret from the general public. Proving that the asbestos industry and manufacturers who use asbestos in their products is difficult because it can take 10 to 20 years for symptoms to show up in those who were exposed.
Although Mr. Jennings had long since retired, he was not diagnosed with mesothelioma until he was in his late 70s. He lived only 80 days after his diagnosis.
Obtaining justice for a horrible and untimely death
Like countless other mesothelioma victims and surviving family members, Mrs. Jennings had to wait for her day in court. And, like many others, this trial was delayed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic since her husband’s death.
Although Honeywell’s case rested entirely on the false premise that asbestos is safe, jurors for the personal injury lawsuit saw the truth in what Mrs. Jennings lawyers revealed. On July 29, 2021, the jury found that Mr. Jennings’ death was a result of exposure to Honeywell International, Inc.’s Bendix brakes, which contained asbestos.
During the trial, Mrs. Jennings testified about what her beloved husband endured while suffering through his terminal condition and the effect it had on their family. She was represented by the Cleveland law firm of Kelley Ferraro, LLC. James L. Ferraro and John M. Murphy oversaw the experienced team of attorneys led by lead counsel Shawn M. Acton, who was assisted by Edward J. Kelley, Joyce Reichard, Marty Mason, and Jack Corrigan.
Men and women around the world continue to succumb to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Anyone who was exposed directly or indirectly to asbestos may be at risk.
