Calif. Jury Awards More Than $21 Million to 2 Brothers in Benzene Suit Against Union Oil

MARTINEZ, Calif. –– A California jury has awarded more than $21 million to the families of two brothers who allegedly were exposed to benzene-containing products during their employment at a tire manufacturing company and subsequently developed cancer.

The California Superior Court for Contra Costa County jury reached the verdict on March 29 after a four-week trial and three days of deliberations. Jurors assigned Union Oil Co. 58 percent liability, sources told HarrisMartin.

Judge Henry G. Weil presided over the trial. The jury’s award totaled $21,385,000.

The plaintiffs alleged during trial that brothers Gary and Randy Eaves worked for various …