Lawsuits Being Filed for Obliterative Bronchiolitis (“Popcorn Lung”)
Last Updated on July 24, 2019
Investigation Complete
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have finished their investigation into this matter.
Check back for any potential updates and take a look at our open investigations here. The information on this page is for reference only.
At A Glance
- This Alert Affects:
- Anyone who was diagnosed with obliterative bronchiolitis, a permanent and rare form of lung disease.
- What’s Going On?
- Attorneys working with ClassAction.org believe that people suffering from obliterative bronchiolitis may be able to sue for medical bills, physical pain and other damages related to their diagnoses.
- Is This the Same Thing as Popcorn Lung?
- Essentially, yes. Obliterative bronchiolitis is sometimes referred to as “popcorn lung,” a nickname given to the condition after eight workers at a microwave popcorn facility were diagnosed with the disease.
- What Causes Obliterative Bronchiolitis?
- One of the main causes of obliterative bronchiolitis are fumes from diacetyl, a chemical used to flavor food and other products including popcorn, caramel and e-cigarettes.
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are no longer investigating these cases. Please contact an attorney in your area. The information below is for reference only.
Attorneys would like to speak to anyone who was diagnosed with obliterative bronchiolitis, a permanent and rare form of lung disease that is sometimes referred to as “popcorn lung.”
These individuals may be able to file lawsuits to recover money for medical bills, physical suffering and other losses related to their diagnoses. Read on to find out more.
You’re Saying I Can Sue Over Obliterative Bronchiolitis?
It’s possible, yes. Depending on the cause of your obliterative bronchiolitis, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the company responsible for your disease. This may include a former employer or food manufacturer, as a chemical that is linked to obliterative bronchiolitis can be found in many widely consumed products.
What Causes “Popcorn Lung” Anyway?
Some common causes of the condition include workplace chemicals such as ammonia and vapors from a food flavoring chemical known as diacetyl. The nickname “popcorn lung” was given to the disease after several workers from a microwave popcorn facility developed obliterative bronchiolitis.
What Products Contain Diacetyl?
Diacetyl is a chemical compound that is used to give certain food products a buttery flavor and can be found in:
- Coffee
- E-cigarettes
- Popcorn
- Caramel
- Chips and crackers
- Sweets, including ice cream, frosting, hot cocoa and cookies
In general, diacetyl only becomes dangerous when the product is heated and its vapors are inhaled. This may be the case with popcorn, hot chocolate and e-cigarettes.
What Can I Get from a Lawsuit?
In a successful case, you may be able to collect money for:
- Medical bills (doctors’ visits, surgeries, etc.)
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental hardship
- Wages lost because of an inability to work
Workers who have filed lawsuits over popcorn lung have recovered millions. In one case, a Chicago jury awarded a man a $30 million verdict for his condition, while another case resulted in a $5 million settlement.
Is This a Class Action Lawsuit?
No. Attorneys are filing these lawsuits individually. That means you will have your own lawyer who will file a case on your behalf outlining the claims specific to your disease and exposure.
How Much Does It Cost?
Most attorneys handling popcorn lung cases will only get paid if and when they win your case. Further, if you’re interested in learning more about filing a lawsuit, we would encourage you to speak with an attorney in your area.
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