Disabled Worker Awarded $30 Million in Popcorn Lung Lawsuit

After reading several recent Workers Compensation publications, it has become apparent that Popcorn Lung is a real concern to factory workers.

The connection between diacetyl and this lung condition was not discovered until 2003-2004. Since then several lawsuits have been filed on behalf of the injured workers. Some more recent ones have been very successful in earning huge awards for the factory worker. The most recent reported was $30 million to a factory worker in Illinois. Other awards have been from $2.7 million to $15 million.

Bronchiolitis Obliterans or Popcorn Lung's only real cure is a lung transplant. The disease causes inflammation of the airways and scarring which can lead to diminished air flow. The disease seems to progressively worsen leading to the need for the transplant. Workers in Popcorn Factories seem to be at a high risk due to their exposure to diacetyl.