San Pedro, CA - November 5, 2007
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Greg Deblock |
Greg Deblock, career
pipefitter and business manager with local 290 in Portland, passed
away on October 29 from mesothelioma at the age of 73. Greg was
diagnosed on November 2, 2006 and had an EPP on April 27, 2007.
Unfortunately, the tumor spread to his abdomen after the surgery.
Greg passed away on the second day of his trial in Portland.
The Deblocks blazed a new trail in Oregon law. First, in an
attempt to delay and deny justice, the defense lawyers removed the
case to federal court, also known as "The Black Hole." Deblock was
able to have the case remanded back to state court within a week,
which is likely a record. In what's believed to be another first,
state circuit court judge Michael Marcus ruled that the equipment
manufacturer defendants had a duty to warn users and bystanders
about the dangers of asbestos used externally on equipment such as
valves, pumps, boilers, and compressors.
Greg was a giant and a gentleman. Our thoughts are with Greg's
family. He made a brave stand against his tormentors, who under
Oregon law are insulated from compensating Greg's family for his
injuries and death. Fortunately, we were able to secure what are
thought to be record-setting settlements in Oregon asbestos
litigation before Greg passed away. Special thanks to co-counsel
Simons Eddins & Greenstone and Swanson Thomas and Coon for their
swift and decisive action.
PATIENT PROFILES
