A March 11 verdict in McLean County, Ill. left a handful of companies charged with a total of $90 million in damages, the second highest amount ever in a mesothelioma case. The largest chunk of that total was the $40 million in punitive damages charged to Owens-Illinois (O-I), a bottling company.

Next in line were Honeywell International Inc. and Pneumo Abex with $20 million each in charges, however, the plaintiff, Charles Gillenwater, had never worked or come in contact with products from any of these companies, including O-I. Gillenwater alleged he was exposed to asbestos after working as a pipefitter in several different locations, however, the claim was made that these companies had apparently concealed information regarding asbestos health risks from their employees and customers.

According to a statement released by Lisa A. Rickard, president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, "the ruling confirms a troubling trend in the state of Illinois where there is a hostile litigation environment that continues to destroy jobs and impair economic growth."

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