A man from southern St. Louis County has successfully sued the Ford Motor Company over historical asbestos exposure, with USD 20 million in damages awarded.
William Trokey, 76, launched proceedings against the motoring giant, alleging that he was exposed to asbestos while working on Ford brakes as a mechanic at a petrol station in the 1960s.
He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2013.
Mr Trokey contended that Ford knew about the risks associated with their brake parts and ignored advice relating to the safety standards of the products.
Ford attorneys countered that Mr Trokey’s illness was caused by other means, but the St Louis jury wasn’t swayed, and Ford was required to pay a total of $10 million each to Mr Trokey and the same in punitive damages to his wife.
Half of the punitive damages will go to the state’s Tort Victim Compensation Fund per Missouri legislation.
A Ford spokesperson said, “Our sympathy goes out to the Trokey family, and while we respect the jury’s decision, we plan to appeal.”