On March 28, 2017, a Dallas County jury awarded a total of $8.8 million to the family of a long-time Bell Helicopter employee who died due to exposure to asbestos. This exposure within the facility led to complications from mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer that stems from the lining of the lungs. Billy Dickson, the mechanical engineer from Bell Helicopter, died in 2013 at the age of 74. He had worked for the aerospace company for 38 years.
The Verdict
After a lengthy period of time, Jurors of the 95th District Court returned their verdict following a week-long trial and around five hours of deliberations. The jury members found “clear and convincing evidence” of Bell Helicopter exposing Mr. Dickson to the asbestos contamination during his time with the company. The testimony showed that Dickson, who once tested components used to build combat helicopters for the Vietnam War, was exposed to amounts 200 times greater than permissible by safety standards.
Further evidence provided during the trial proved Bell Helicopter knew they were exposing their employees to unreasonably high levels of asbestos well before Mr. Dickson ever began working at the company. Since 1955, Bell Helicopter knew the asbestos exposure might be fatal to its workers. They did nothing.
Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim is a legal standing in which the family of a victim who perished due to the negligence of another deserves compensation for their loss. In the case of Bell Helicopter, that claim cost them nearly $9 million for an oversight that could have easily been prevented.
Contact Us
For more information on wrongful death claims, contact Attorney Joe Lucé online or call (972) 632-1300 We’re happy to answer any questions or schedule a consultation appointment with you promptly. Just give us a call, and we’ll begin the process!
