Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Nearly 200 people had filed a group of lawsuits concerning asbestos-related workplace injuries during the remodeling of Salinas Courthouse in California. The plaintiffs included attorneys, courthouse employees, a judge as well as other people who worked in the north courthouse wing during the remodeling. An omnibus settlement was reached that will provide compensation for all plaintiffs, though the amount of the settlement is undisclosed. One estimate has placed the total of the settlement around $5 million.

The plaintiffs had originally files three disconnected lawsuits that were later rolled into one case. All of the plaintiffs claimed to possess been exposed to asbestos as well as other toxic substances that were released into the air when demolition work was undertaken by Nova Partners as well as Skanska USA Building in 2005 as well as 2006. The suit claimed that the former project managers covered up warnings about the release of hazardous substances during demolition with a incorrect paper trail. Both companies pleaded no contest when they were criminally indicted for the asbestos contamination in March 2006, but the misdemeanor charges were dismissed after the companies completed the terms of their probation.

Superior Court Judge Albert Maldonado was one of the plaintiffs, as well as he stated that the resolution of the case was to the mutual satisfaction of all parties, although the terms as well as conditions were confidential.

For the filled story, go to Monterey County Herald.