Strickland v. Union Carbide Corp. CA2/7

**What Happened** Glen Strickland developed peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer, after being exposed to asbestos while working with Union Carbide Corporation's product called Calidria. After Strickland died from this cancer, his family sued Union Carbide, claiming the company was responsible for his death because their asbestos-containing product caused his illness. **What the Court Decided** A jury originally ruled in favor of the Strickland family, finding Union Carbide liable for the worker's death. Union Carbide appealed this decision, but the appellate court upheld the jury's verdict. The court agreed that exposure to Union Carbide's Calidria asbestos was a significant contributing factor in causing Strickland's fatal cancer. **Why This Matters for Workers** This ruling reinforces that employers can be held accountable when their products or workplace materials cause serious illness or death to workers. It shows that courts will support families seeking justice when workplace exposure to dangerous substances like asbestos leads to fatal diseases. The decision strengthens the principle that companies cannot escape responsibility for harm caused by hazardous materials they produced or used in the workplace.