The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that the Liberty Mutual Group, a Boston-based insurance company, must pay the full costs of hundreds of asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits filed against one of the companies they insure.
Plastics Engineering Co., a family-run plastics company based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, manufactured many products using asbestos in their Sheboygan plant from 1950-1983. As a result, Plastics Engineering Co. has faced hundreds of lawsuits from local residents who have developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases from exposure to the toxic chemical.
Liberty Mutual has already paid over $14 million in damages from these asbestos lawsuits. Recently, they tried to avoid paying out on future claims by insisting that all of the claims should be regarded as “one occurrence” since they were all caused by one mistake (the manufacture and distribution of products containing asbestos). According to this logic, Liberty Mutual argued that their coverage of damages would be severely limited.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court did not agree with Liberty Mutual’s interpretation and ruled that each lawsuit must be treated as a separate case. Liberty Mutual will be required to pay the full cost of compensating victims in accordance with the policy limits.
Many people across the country have developed serious illnesses as a result of exposure to asbestos. If you have developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, or any other asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. It is important to consult an experienced asbestos attorney to find out if you have a valid claim.
If you have an asbestos claim in Maryland, Delaware, or Pennsylvania, please contact the Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos today to schedule a consultation.
