A mesothelioma victim, who filed an asbestos lawsuit against dozens of companies claiming that they were negligent in protecting him against harmful asbestos materials, died while in the middle of the deposition process for the lawsuit and never got to make it to his court hearing.
Now, his family is claiming that the defendant’s attorney used delay tactics so that the mesothelioma victim would die before making it to court. After his death, the compensation that his family can receive was cut by nearly 70 percent. Once an asbestos lawsuit is filed, defendants can have deposition time in order to ask the plaintiff questions.
In California, they can have up to 20 hours to question the plaintiff. Because of the amount of companies in the lawsuit, this mesothelioma victim, John Johnson, had 25 hours to complete even though his doctor stated that in his condition, he could handle no more than 12.
On Jan. 23, the 69-year-old Johnson, could barely catch his breathe while he answered dozens of questions from defendant’s attorneys. Forty minutes after the deposition, he passed out and was taken to the hospital where he died the next day. Officials are now wondering if there is a better way to handle asbestos law so tragic cases like Johnson’s, do not occur.
For the full story, visit the LA Times today.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, contact the mesothelioma lawsuit lawyers of Williams Kherkher by calling 800-781-3955.