$23M Verdict for Mesothelioma Victim

Original Post Written by Patricia Manson of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin

A Cook County jury on Thursday awarded $23 million to a woman who developed mesothelioma after handling asbestos-containing materials while working for the Chicago manufacturer Qualitex Co. The jury returned its verdict in favor of Cynthia Cowger in her lawsuit against Qualitex following a three-week trial. Cook County Circuit Judge Patrick J. Sherlock presided over the case. 

The jury awarded Cowger $6 million for loss of a normal life, $5 million for a shortened life expectancy and $2 million for physical disfigurement. The jury also awarded her $5 million for pain and suffering and an equal amount for emotional distress. 

Attorneys representing Cowger at trial included Matthew J. Adair and Kathy Byrne, both of Cooney & Conway. Brittany A. Russell of Weitz & Luxenberg P.C.’s New York office also represented Cowger. 

Adair said Cowger is grateful the jurors returned a verdict in her favor.  “Cindy has waited a very long time for this,” he said. 

He said Qualitex’s last settlement offer was for $2 million. Cowger made a demand for $5 million just before closing arguments began, he said, and her legal team asked for more than $14 million during those arguments. 

The trial was Adair’s first jury trial.

You can read the full Chicago Daily Law Bulletin article here.