A Bridgeport Superior Court judge has added $7.5 million in punitive damages to a $15 million jury verdict against Norwalk-based R.T. Vanderbilt Holding Co. Inc. on behalf of the family of a Milford man who died of mesothelioma.
The Nov. 27, 2024 ruling came after the family’s attorneys sought the punitive damages.
In May, a jury unanimously found R.T. Vanderbilt liable for Nicholas Barone’s death and determined that the company should be subject to punitive damages, the amount of which was decided by Connecticut Superior Court Judge William F. Clark in accordance with state law.
Barone and his family alleged that he contracted Mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs tied to asbestos, from his work as an engineer.
“We are pleased that the court recognized the need for significant punitive damages that reflect the severity of Vanderbilt’s continued conduct,” said attorney Benjamin Braly of Dean Omar Branham Shirley. “Vanderbilt knowingly exposed thousands of Americans to asbestos through their industrial products for decades. We are grateful that the court recognized this outrageous conduct and provided some measure of justice for the Barone family.”
Barone, a military veteran and chemical engineer who was 81 when he died in 2023, worked at a General Electric plastics facility in Pittsford, Massachusetts, in the 1960s. While there, the plant purchased hundreds of bags of talc from International Talc and dumped them into hoppers as part of the plastics-making process.
Vanderbilt purchased International Talc in 1974 and continued the product line, making it responsible under Connecticut law for Barone’s death.
“The court’s decision should be a reminder that companies must prioritize safety over profit,” said Trey Branham, name partner at Dean Omar Branham Shirley. “Throughout this case, R.T. Vanderbilt made every effort to avoid liability. We are grateful that the jury and the judge held them responsible.”
Barone passed away on June 14, 2023. He was born on September 26, 1941 to the late John Barone and Mary Testa Barone in Woodbridge. He was the beloved husband of Kathryn Shanley Barone and proud father of Nicholas Barone (Jamey), Stephen Barone (Nickelle) and Kristine Barone. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Barone (Harriet); his grandson Antonio Threet; and his many nieces and nephews. Nick was predeceased by his brother Jack Barone.
He was a member of the class of 1959 at Notre Dame High School of West Haven. After that he attended Rensselaer, West Point, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Worcester Polytech class of 1965. He served in the US Army. In addition to GE, he worked for Olin Corp.
