Popcorn Lung Victim Wins $7.2 Million Settlement

A lot of people love microwave popcorn, but don’t realize that habitually consuming this snack can actually end in serious illness. Wayne Watson was unaware of the dangers of microwave popcorn when he started popping and consuming about 3 bags per day. By constantly swallowing the popcorn, he developed a chronic illness called popcorn lung. This dangerous illness is linked to the chemicals that are used to flavor microwave popcorn.

Watson took his issue to court, saying that the popcorn company failed to warn about the dangers of popcorn lung on their packaging. The jury agreed with these claims. Watson was diagnosed with popcorn lung in 2007 at Denver’s National Jewish Health. The doctor said that he contracted his illness from inhaling the smell of the butter on the popcorn he consumed daily. Popcorn lung is a variation of obstructive lung disease and makes it difficult for air to flow out of the lungs. Unfortunately, the illness is irreversible, and Watson will always have to deal with the difficulties of popcorn lung.

A variety of lawsuits have pointed to the fact that diacetyl, a popular microwave popcorn ingredient, has been linked with a variety of health issues. The popcorn company involved in the lawsuit argued that Watson may have also developed popcorn lung from using dangerous chemicals as carpet cleaner. They did not have merit for this claim, and considering that Watson was diagnosed with popcorn lung, there wasn’t much chance that they would successfully prove their point. The popcorn company still plans to appeal the decision.

If you have contracted popcorn lung from eating too much microwave popcorn, and the product you purchased didn’t warn of this illness on the packaging, then you may be able to sue as well. Contact a personal injury lawyer to start your lawsuit today! You may be able to get millions like Watson because of your pain and suffering!