A New York jury awarded more than $47 million to Robert Crouteau, a boilermaker who worked as a contractor for two New York utilities, who was diagnosed with cancer by exposure to asbestos, attorneys for the plaintiff said. Crouteau was diagnosed with mesothelioma in May of 2001.

The jury found both Consolidated Edision Inc. and KeySpan Corp. unit of Long Island Lighting Co. negligent and “reckless in their actions and for failing to warn workers of the dangers of asbestos,” plaintiff attorneys at the law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg said in a statement.

Con Edison said it would appeal if the judge allows the verdict to stand.

(via Reuters)