Jury Finds for DaimlerChrysler in Mesothelioma Trial

SAN FRANCISCO -- A California jury has rejected a plaintiff's claim that mesothelioma can develop after extensive work on brake linings. Ernest and Malle Lantz v. DaimlerChrysler Corporation, No. 436967 (Calif. Super. Ct., San Francisco Cty.).

The San Francisco Superior Court jury on Aug. 31 found 10-2 that there was no defect in DaimlerChrysler's asbestos brake linings and 12-0 that DaimlerChrysler was not negligent in failing to warn the plaintiff of potential dangers associated with using the brake linings. The trial was presided over by Judge Kevin McCarthy.

Plaintiffs Ernest and Malle Lantz contended that Ernest was exposed to asbestos-containing …