A verdict that could change the landscape of mesothelioma litigation, highlighting the importance of corporate accountability.
A recent ruling by the South Carolina Supreme Court against Atlas Turner marks a significant shift in mesothelioma litigation, showcasing the courts’ commitment to holding companies accountable for asbestos exposure. This case emphasizes the importance of victim compensation and the judicial system’s evolving approach towards enforcing accountability for corporations involved in asbestos use. As more high-profile cases unfold, the landscape of mesothelioma litigation is changing, paving the way for better support for affected families and highlighting the need for ongoing awareness and prevention efforts.
Columbia, South Carolina — A landmark decision by the South Carolina Supreme Court has significantly impacted the landscape of mesothelioma and asbestos-related lawsuits. The court ruled against Atlas Turner, a company implicated in asbestos exposure cases, emphasizing that corporations cannot avoid financial responsibility for damages caused by asbestos-related illnesses.
The court found Atlas Turner in default for its refusal to cooperate during a lawsuit filed by Donna Welch. The case pertains to Welch’s attempt to seek compensation for her husband, Melvin, who succumbed to mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer, after exposure to asbestos in the 1960s. The ruling approves the appointment of a special receiver charged with locating and controlling Atlas Turner’s insurance assets. These assets are intended to ensure compensation reaches the victims’ families.
This decision signifies a notable shift, asserting that courts will not tolerate efforts by companies to sidestep their obligations to asbestos victims. It sets a precedent that may influence how similar cases are handled nationwide, reinforcing accountability for companies responsible for asbestos exposure.
In the broader context of mesothelioma litigation, Johnson & Johnson has faced ongoing legal challenges. In May 2025, the company reopened a lawsuit against Dr. Jacqueline Moline, a scientist accused of falsifying research related to asbestos in talcum powder. This study, conducted in 2020, suggested a potential link between talc containing asbestos and mesothelioma.
Additionally, Johnson & Johnson’s efforts to resolve accumulated asbestos-related lawsuits hit a setback in April 2025 when a U.S. bankruptcy judge rejected a proposed $10 billion settlement plan. This plan aimed to resolve over 60,000 ovarian cancer claims but notably did not include claims related to mesothelioma, leaving numerous litigants seeking justice.
Legal victories for mesothelioma victims remain pivotal in highlighting the severity of asbestos exposure hazards. In September 2024, a Massachusetts jury awarded over $39 million to a Utah couple in a groundbreaking case involving contaminated talc used during a surgical procedure, which led to mesothelioma. This case drew attention to the potential for mesothelioma from unexpected sources, such as medical products.
Later that year, in October 2024, a jury awarded approximately $3.8 million to a plaintiff in a lawsuit against Foster Wheeler, a company accused of exposing workers to asbestos. These verdicts underscore the ongoing legal drive to hold corporations accountable for asbestos-related health damages.
Organizations dedicated to supporting asbestos victims continue to secure significant compensation. The Mesothelioma Lawyer Center reports that settlements for clients diagnosed with mesothelioma typically range from $1 million to $1.4 million. These settlements aim to help victims and their families cope with the financial burden of treatment and loss.
Furthermore, asbestos trust funds, which collectively hold an estimated $30 billion, serve as vital resources for victims seeking compensation. Payouts from these trusts can vary widely, from as little as $7,000 to over $200,000 depending on the case specifics and the trust’s policies.
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization has announced its 20th Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference, scheduled for September 12–13, 2025, in New York City. The event, titled “Building on Dr. Selikoff’s Legacy in Asbestos Science, Prevention & Justice,” aims to continue efforts towards educating the public about asbestos dangers, promoting early detection, and preventing future exposures.
Recent legal decisions and jury verdicts continue to shape the evolving landscape of mesothelioma litigation. The South Carolina Supreme Court’s ruling against Atlas Turner emphasizes that companies cannot evade their responsibilities, setting a tone of accountability that could influence future cases. Meanwhile, ongoing efforts to secure fair compensation for victims and raise awareness about asbestos hazards remain central to addressing this persistent public health issue.
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For further information on mesothelioma litigation and related developments, consider the following resources:
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