Simmons Hanly Conroy recently secured $4.6 million on behalf of a welder who contracted mesothelioma after working with asbestos-contaminated valves. The plaintiff, Thomas McGlynn, was exposed to valves manufactured by Jenkins Bros., the defendant, which contained asbestos-contaminated gaskets, packing and insulation while building and rehabbing boiler rooms on ships in and around New York City in the 1970s and ’80s. He was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in May 2016.
Simmons’ shareholders Daniel P. Blouin, Jim Kramer, Brian J. Cooke and Karoline Carstens represented McGlynn and his family in Thomas McGlynn v. Jenkins Bros., No. 16-190219.
“While no amount of money can give Thomas back his health, we are extremely pleased that Jenkins Bros. is being held accountable for knowingly exposing Thomas to cancer-causing asbestos,” said Blouin, lead trial attorney on the case. “We hope this result brings some relief to Thomas and his family.”
The verdict holds Jenkins Bros. partially responsible for McGlynn’s exposure to asbestos but applies 100 percent liability to the company for what the jury called “reckless” behavior in exposing McGlynn to the deadly carcinogen.
Founded in 1868, Jenkins Bros. is now a part of Liberty Mutual Group, Inc. and was a manufacturer of valves and rubber goods. Jenkins was represented by Clyde & Co.