Calif. Jury Reaches Defense Verdict for 5 Defendants in Automotive Case

OAKLAND, Calif. –– A California jury has returned a defense verdict in favor of five defendants, rejecting claims that asbestos-containing automotive products manufactured by the defendants caused the plaintiff to develop mesothelioma.

The California Superior Court for Alameda County jury deliberated for approximately two-and-a-half days before returning the defense verdict on Sept. 21, sources told HarrisMartin.

Judge Wynne S. Carvill presided over the trial, which began on July 27.

Plaintiffs Steven and Virginia Swasey alleged in their complaint that Steven Swasey was exposed to asbestos in automotive brakes, brake grinding machines and construction materials. As a result of the …