Posted on April 8, 2016
We have been touched by asbestos in individual ways, yet we are joined together by a bond of community. As a testament to the strength of our global family, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is highlighting the courageous stories of our members with the “Share Your Story” feature on our website.
This week, we would like to honor the story of Guy, as shared by his son William, who is part of our ADAO family.
We encourage you to submit your personal stories by clicking here and following the simple instructions on the page. In sharing, comes healing. Remember, you are not alone.
“Moral Right to Seek Fair Compensation” – Guy’s Story
Name: Guy
Location: WI
Year of Birth: 1921
Time of Diagnosis: February, 2004
Diagnosis: Mesothelioma
Treatment: His condition was terminal and died within two weeks.
Time of Death: February, 2004
How has asbestos changed your life? (Shared by his son, William)
In 2004, I lost my Father, Lt. Colonel Guy R. Roberts to stage 4 mesothelioma. He was very ill for many years and suffered a terrible death. Extraordinary amounts of bloody fluid were taken from his lungs, 2700 milliliters to be exact. A decorated WW2 fighter pilot, he flew 223 combat missions and worked 30 years to provide a clean, safe home environment for his family. After installing Zonolite Attic Insulation in the family home around 1970 for whatever reason, he left two bags of asbestos insulation behind. Zonolite was made by specialty chemical maker, WR Grace and mined in Libby, Montana for several years. This “miracle mineral” has killed hundreds in the town of Libby and to this day, remains a Superfund site.
After finding Zonolite in the attic, garage and cedar closet, I filed a personal injury/wrongful death lawsuit with the Chicago law firm of Cooney & Conway. My claim will be filed against the WR Grace bankruptcy trust as soon as it’s established. The big question is when? Packaging copy on the bag clearly states that Zonolite Attic Insulation is non-irritating. This statement was false and misleading and the executives at WR Grace knew very well the product was dangerous. Internal documents obtained through various sources have helped victims obtain full compensation from the negligence of others.
I lost my Father/Mother and childhood home to the profits of WR Grace. I moved out in 2009 because of all the asbestos in it. I’ve had cancer twice and a tumor on my colon in 1989. An 8 mm nodule on my lung is currently being monitored. I was exposed to asbestos for many years and this may have played a part in my many health concerns. The stress of the lawsuit has given me type 2 diabetes and fueled my diagnosed chronic major depression.
WR Grace has been in chapter 11/bankruptcy protection since 2001. This is 13 years with no end in sight. I have watched their stock price go from $20 a share to the current price of $95 with a forecast of $105 according to Jim Cramer on MSNBC. The company recently purchased a division of Dow chemical for $500 million dollars. These trusts pay pennies on the dollar and continue to get filthy rich as plaintiffs like myself, have not seen a dime. I have every moral and divine right to seek fair compensation from WR Grace. I hope my comments are of value.
Update: WR Grace came out of bankruptcy in 2014 and established a trust valued at $4 billion dollars. My claim was approved as a mesothelioma claim and I have been offered $46,000 before attorney fees. My share will come to about $14,000. Dis-GRACE-ful!
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