Jury Finds Popcorn Smell Caused Lung Disease And Awards $7.2 Million

by Long Island Attorney Paul A. Lauto, Esq.

A Federal Court jury awarded $7.2 million dollars to Wayne Wilson, as damages for lung disease developed as a result of a chemical used in microwave popcorn.  The condition known as "popcorn lung", is an irreversible obstructive lung disease that makes air flow in and out of the lungs difficult.

Watson claimed that he developed the disease after long term exposure to the smell of the chemical butter flavoring diacetyl.  Before contracting the disease, Watson consumed an average of two bags of microwave popcorn per day over the period of ten years.  Watson sued the popcorn manufacturer and the supermarket chain, claiming negligence in failing to warn of a known danger from diacetyl.

Read further details and about plaintiff's star witness in our latest Scales of Justice blog at http://www.liattorney.com.