Jury Awards $6 Million to Painter in Case Against Georgia-Pacific

ANGLETON, Texas - A Texas jury has awarded $6 million to a former commercial painter who developed mesothelioma after years of exposure to a Georgia-Pacific drywall product. Stephens v. Ametek, Inc., et al., No. 22045-1-BH02 (Texas Dist. Ct., Brazoria Cty., 23rd Dist.).

Jurors returned the verdict March 5, less than one week after the case was returned to Brazoria County District Court on an emergency motion to remand. Georgia-Pacific had removed the case to federal court on Feb. 25 after opening statements got underway in state court.

According to sources, plaintiff Fred Stephens, 77, was diagnosed with mesothelioma after …