> Insights > Client Alert: $81.5 Million Verdict against Genuine Parts Company
> Insights > Client Alert: $81.5 Million Verdict against Genuine Parts Company
Client Alert: $81.5 Million Verdict against Genuine Parts Company
Gerri Coogan (PR for Estate of Jerry Coogan) v. Genuine Parts Company
Pierce County, Washington (Judge Rumbaugh)
April 18, 2017
After 49 trial days, Jessica Dean of Omar Dean (Houston, Texas) obtained an $81.5M verdict for her client Gerri Coogan, PR and wife of Jerry Coogan. Mr. Coogan was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in April 2015 and passed away in July 2015.
He claimed exposure to asbestos while working throughout the late 1970s and 1980s at the Boise Cascade lumber mill in Kettle Falls, WA; joint compound, and friction products on personal vehicles.
The jury applied pre-1981 tort reform law to the case and awarded the compensatory damages:
- $30M for Jerry Coogan (decedent)
- $30M for Gerri Sue Coogan (4 year marriage)
- $10M for 1st adult daughter
- $10M for 2nd adult daughter
- $1.5M for non-economics (household services)
The trial started with three friction defendants and one cement pipe supplier but Genuine Parts Company was the sole defendant at the time of verdict.
