A Plantation doctor and his family, who last year sued Honeywell International for his rare cancer, were awarded almost $24.2 million by a Miami-Dade Circuit Court jury Friday evening after a two-week trial.
Dr. Stephen E. Guilder alleged his exposure to Honeywell's asbestos brakes in the 1970s and early 1980s caused him to get cancer. Guilder, 50, was diagnosed in September with peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the abdominal lining.
Honeywell spokesman Rob Ferris said in an e-mail that it would appeal the verdict.
''We are disappointed by the jury's verdict,'' Ferris said. ``There is no supportable evidence that Mr. Guilder's disease was caused by exposure to [brake] products.''
Guilder closed his medical office in November. Guilder's website said he treats disorders of the head and neck and specializes in facial plastic surgery.
''I am very pleased that the jury held Honeywell accountable for the devastating harms it caused Dr. Guilder and his family,'' said his attorney, David A. Jagolinzer, in a statement. Guilder has been married for more than 20 years and has three children, ages 18, 16 and 14.
The jury verdict is the largest involving a single defendant in an asbestos case in Florida.
