Mesothelioma Lawsuit: $9 Million Verdict Against Asbestos

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News Summary

A Delaware jury awarded $9 million to the family of Eugene Schoepke, who died from mesothelioma linked to the use of asbestos-infused shotgun shells. The lawsuit against companies like Remington and DuPont highlights the dangers of asbestos exposure in sporting goods and raises concerns about consumer safety regarding vintage ammunition still available online. Legal experts see this ruling as a call for increased accountability in the ammunition manufacturing industry.

A Shocking Verdict: $9 Million Awarded in Mesothelioma Case Linked to Asbestos-Infused Shotgun Shells

In a monumental case that has sent ripples through the hunting community and legal circles alike, a Delaware jury recently awarded a staggering $9 million to the family of Eugene Schoepke, an avid Illinois hunter who tragically succumbed to mesothelioma in 2022. This groundbreaking lawsuit shines a much-needed light on the hidden dangers of asbestos exposure, particularly in sporting goods and ammunition manufacturing.

The Asbestos Connection

At the heart of the lawsuit was a claim that multiple companies, including the infamous Remington and DuPont, intentionally added asbestos to their shotgun shells during the 1960s without warning consumers of the associated health risks. The ramifications were deadly. Medical experts testified that each time a hunter fired a shotgun containing these shells, they released microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. This exposure is known to be a primary risk factor for developing mesothelioma, a rare and often terminal form of cancer.

Schoepke’s lengthy hunting career involved the use of these asbestos-containing shotgun shells, and the consequences of this exposure became devastatingly clear years later. Even people nearby or within the vicinity of someone firing these shells were placed at risk. The airborne asbestos fibers could settle on hunting gear, posing a secondary exposure risk to others once they returned home, further amplifying the public health crisis.

A Hidden Legacy: The Danger of Vintage Ammunition

The implications of this ruling extend far beyond personal tragedy. Even today, vintage Remington and DuPont shotgun shells from the 1960s are still available for sale online, often with no mention of the associated health hazards posed by asbestos. The enduring presence of these products raises significant concerns about consumer safety and the lack of transparency in the sporting goods manufacturing industry.

A Call for Accountability and Transparency

Legal experts have interpreted the outcome of this case as a resounding call for increased accountability and regulations in ammunition manufacturing. There is a hope that the Schoepke family’s victory will embolden others to come forward regarding their own experiences with past asbestos exposure in related products.

Thomas C. Crumplar, the attorney representing Schoepke’s family, has expressed satisfaction regarding the heightened awareness this case has brought to the subject of asbestos in shotgun shells. The jury’s discussions lasted from July 22 to 23, 2023, following a trial that commenced on July 8, 2023.

Behind the Manufacturers

The entities in the lawsuit included a former DuPont subsidiary and Remington, which now operates as Sporting Goods Properties Inc. DuPont was historically involved in gunpowder production and evolved over two centuries to become a diversified chemical and materials company. However, despite evolving knowledge of the dangers associated with asbestos, these companies continued to incorporate the hazardous material into their shotgun shells even after the risks were well established.

The lawsuit specifically named E.I. du Pont de Nemours Company, now operating as EIDP, Inc., a subsidiary of Corteva, Inc.. Following a merger in 2019, the company separated from the modern DuPont brand, yet the malpractices around asbestos in shotgun shells sadly continued. Notably, no other major ammunition manufacturers have used asbestos in their products, raising serious questions about corporate responsibility and consumer safety.

Continuing Concerns: The Lasting Impact of Asbestos Exposure

While the manufacturing of asbestos-laced shotgun shells ceased in the 1980s, there has never been a formal recall of these dangerous products. The long shelf life of such shells means hunters could still be at risk of using them. Furthermore, the lawsuit revealed that the companies not only remained silent about the risks but actively concealed those dangers from the public, a practice that could have harmful implications for countless families across the nation.

The Schoepke case serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the dire need for increased scrutiny and regulation in the production of sporting goods. The combination of prolonged asbestos exposure and a lack of consumer awareness could prove to be a recipe for disaster. As attention turns toward the implications of this verdict, many hope it compels lasting change in both the legal and manufacturing spheres.