$90 Million Awarded in Conspiracy Case Alleging Four Companies Hid Health Risks

A jury in a McLean County, Ill., court has awarded nearly $90 million to a former pipe fitter in a case against several manufacturers that allegedly concealed the health hazards of asbestos (Gillenwater v. Honeywell International Inc.).

The plaintiff, Charles Gillenwater, 59, was exposed to asbestos while working as a pipe fitter at several sites during the 1970s. He later was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Gillenwater sued Honeywell International Inc., Owens-Illinois Inc., Pneumo Abex, and John Crane Inc. The plaintiff alleged the defendants concealed or conspired to conceal the health risks posed by products containing asbestos.

After a five-week ...