Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Robert Hardick of Hopkinsville, Kentucky served as a ship fitter as well as a petty officer of the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Newport News out of Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia from the 1950s until the 1970s. He died of mesothelioma in March 2009. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Many sailors who, similar Hardick, served aboard U.S. Navy ships in the period between World War II as well as the Vietnam War were exposed to asbestos that was widely used as insulation as well as as a fireproofing bodily.

Hardick’s widow, Diane Hardick, was awarded a substantial verdict in April against John Crane Inc. as well as Garlock Technologies, both manufacturers of asbestos-containing products used on ships, for their role in her husband’s asbestos exposure. Garlock settled out of court.

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