Larry Kinseth was 68 years old when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2007. Seeking the best treatment, Larry met with oncologists at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota as well as surgical oncologists in Los Angeles, California.

Though his local physicians discouraged him from undergoing any type surgery, Larry thought he had to do whatever he could, and if that meant traveling a great distance, then he would do it. He would travel to the end of the world if need be. Any distance, no matter how far.

Time is also a measure of distance.

Time is something Larry’s family persevered through as they waited for the appropriate justice to be awarded. Larry’s legal marathon began in January of 2008 in Wright County, Iowa. It was then that his mesothelioma lawsuit was filed against over 30 defendants. Before the date of his trial Larry passed away in January of 2009.

Over the next five years, there were trial dates set in July of 2012, September of 2012, February of 2013, May of 2013 each of which were continued by the courts. Finally, this March a firm trial date was reached and the trial began. The lone defendant left in the lawsuit was Weil-McLain.

On April 25, a jury returned a verdict of $4 million dollars in compensatory damages. The Kinseth family’s patience was finally rewarded. Although the time spent waiting for justice will never come close to healing the wound left with Larry’s passing, just knowing that the jury members and others following the lawsuit will realize the terrible injustices the asbestos companies have done to the working man and woman is of some comfort.

During Larry’s treatments, he faced many painful and uncomfortable days. He never lost faith, not in his doctors nor his legal team. He always told himself, his family and his attorneys “there will always be obstacles, but know you have to get to the end.”

The Kinseth legal team was made up of attorneys from Worthington & Caron and Simon, Greenstone, Panatier & Bartlett