$12.4 Million Verdict Entered in California Mesothelioma Case

LOS ANGELES -- A California jury has found John Crane liable for a plaintiff's mesothelioma, assessing nearly $12.4 million in damages, sources told HarrisMartin. Pelley v. Afton Pumps Inc., et al., No. BC358812 (Calif. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty.).

The verdict was issued on Dec. 11 by the Los Angeles County Superior Court jury and included $1.5 million in punitive damages.

Judge Charles Lee presided over the trial, which took part in two phases. The jury assessed 25 percent liability against John Crane and also answered a question relating to a finding of malice, oppression or fraud in the affirmative. …