Norris and Lori: Seeking Justice After a Mesothelioma Cancer Diagnosis

Norris Morgan spent much of his life as a construction supervisor, overseeing workers who cut pipes made with asbestos. He was also an avid outdoorsman, spending much of his free time hiking and camping.

In addition to his many adventures, Norris found joy in his relationship with his wife Lori. The pair met at work while collaborating on different projects, and their friendship soon blossomed into a loving marriage.

But their love story wasn’t without its challenges. After Norris received a mesothelioma diagnosis, the couple’s lives changed forever — and he was determined to seek justice for his illness.

“I battled and held on to have my day in court. We are so appreciative of our team at Simmons Hanly Conroy.”

– Norris Morgan, mesothelioma warrior

Find out more about Norris, his diagnosis, and how his family received a multi-million dollar verdict from a mesothelioma lawsuit by working with our legal partner.

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation, too. Get a free case review now to see if you qualify.

A Happy Marriage Impacted by an Asbestos-Caused Cancer

When Norris and Lori met, they were working together at a custom home-building company. While Lori worked in the interior selections department, Norris was her project manager, and the two quickly hit it off.

Lori joined Norris and his daughter to start a happy new family. Her fondest memories include their vacations together, camping, and customizing menu boards for her husband and stepdaughter.

Lori was there for Norris not only in the happy times but also during the challenging ones. When he was unexpectedly diagnosed with mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, she became a constant source of support.

“Norris was the guy that did everything right. He was a good guy,” Lori recalled. “He did everything by the book; he did everything that he was supposed to do, the way he was supposed to do it.”

– Lori Morgan, wife of mesothelioma warrior Norris

Working Construction in California

As a construction worker in Los Angeles during the 1970s and 80s, Norris worked on asbestos-containing pipes manufactured by J-M Manufacturing.

Eventually, Norris became a supervisor. His exposure to asbestos continued in this role, as the pipes cut by his crew released fibers into the air.

While Norris and his team knew that these pipes contained asbestos, they had no idea that breathing in or swallowing these microscopic fibers could cause them to get sick years later.

Unfortunately, Norris’ situation is all too common. Thousands of workers have gotten sick due to asbestos exposure, and the worst part is that many manufacturers knew their products were dangerous but hid the risk for decades.

Construction is one of many high-risk industries that could put those providing for their families in harm’s way. Yet because asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma can take 10-50 years to develop, many workers remain unaware of the risks until it’s too late.

“When he worked in the trades and around other tradesmen doing construction, they knew that they were working with asbestos. They didn’t know until later on that this was dangerous.”

– Lori Morgan, wife of mesothelioma warrior Norris

An Active Outdoorsman and His Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Anyone who knew Norris described him as an adventurous man who loved the outdoors. Not only was he passionate about being out in nature, he had remarkable accomplishments to show for it.

Norris hiked the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Coast Trail, and he often went on skiing vacations with Lori.

For a man so accustomed to working with his hands and challenging himself outdoors, receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma was particularly difficult.

“I noticed with his hiking, he was not able to hike as long. He wouldn’t go as far. Things like that. Finally, I said, ‘I think we should probably go find out what’s going on.’ He said, ‘Yeah. I think something’s really not right.’”

– Lori Morgan, wife of mesothelioma warrior Norris

A Stubborn Cough Leads to Mesothelioma Diagnosis

In Norris’ case, it all began with a cough that wouldn’t go away. The cough lasted for months and eventually took a toll on his ability to do the things he loved most.

As Norris saw his physical abilities deteriorating, he agreed to go to the doctor. At that point, the changes came fast as he was faced with new realities about his health.

During his first doctor visit, a physician’s assistant took an X-ray. After just two days, the doctor had the results and called Norris back into the clinic.

While the doctor already suspected mesothelioma, it would be ten days later before he gave the official diagnosis. At the age of 64, Norris’ doctor told him he had pleural mesothelioma. He was given 4-6 months to live.

As Norris prepared to battle this cancer, he and Lori had to decide whether to file a legal claim against the asbestos companies responsible for his illness.

Securing Justice With a $30 Million Verdict

Norris was understandably angry that negligent asbestos companies knew about the dangers of this toxic mineral for decades but used it anyway.

Motivated by his desire for justice, Norris and Lori decided to file a lawsuit for mesothelioma. He also wanted to seek financial compensation for his family, so he’d know they’d be okay if something happened to him.

Norris and Lori found an experienced attorney, and while Norris’ health continued to decline, Lori met with the lawyers. She was relieved to learn that they could handle every step of the legal process, so she could focus on spending time with him.

When it came time for the trial, Norris was fighting for his life, but he didn’t want to miss the opportunity to share his story. He was able to have his day in court, which provided him with a sense of closure.

“My husband would never have come to peace in the way that he was able to if it hadn’t been for the process we went through with the mesothelioma lawsuit.”

– Lori Morgan, wife of mesothelioma warrior Norris

A California jury awarded Norris and Lori $30.2 million as compensation for his exposure to asbestos and the asbestos-related cancer he developed as a result.

Although Norris passed away a few months after the trial, he felt accomplished knowing that his family would be taken care of for years to come.

Let Us Help You Get the Justice You Deserve

Asbestos companies knew of the hazards associated with their products, but they prioritized profits over people and failed to warn the public.

LawFirm.com works with top mesothelioma lawyers who can help asbestos victims across the country. They can stand up to powerful asbestos companies and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

Our legal partners can handle all aspects of a lawsuit to make the legal process as stress-free as possible while you focus on your medical care. They never charge any upfront costs or hourly fees.

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or get a free case review to take the first step toward justice.