Jury Enters $650,000 Verdict Against Kaiser Gypsum

DALLAS -- A jury has awarded $650,000 in a mesothelioma case, finding Kaiser Gypsum 100 percent liable for the decendent's cancer and death. Reivitt v. Kaiser Gypsum, Inc., No. 03-5935-C (Texas Dallas Cty. Ct. at Law, No. 3).

On Nov. 30, the Dallas County Court at Law No. 3 jury awarded $550,000 in compensatory damages and $100,000 in punitive damages.

Plaintiff Richard Reivitt claimed his mesothelioma was caused by exposure to asbestos-containing building products while workings as a pipefitter. Those asserting claims on behalf of Reivitt's estate claim that Kaiser Gypsum knew of the asbestos dangers in its joint compound …