Firm Obtains Defense Verdict in CA Asbestos Trial

On September 23, 2016, Foley & Mansfield received a defense verdict in a California asbestos case. The defense team, led by partner Brian Smith of the firm’s Seattle office and associate Megan Van Arsdale of the firm’s Oakland office, successfully defended a general contractor against negligence claims brought by a 75-year old plaintiff diagnosed with mesothelioma.  Although a number of companies were originally sued, our client was the only company which took the case to verdict before Judge C. Edward Simpson in the Pasadena, CA courthouse.

Plaintiff claimed that he worked around our client, and had been exposed to asbestos due to Defendant’s negligent work with asbestos-containing insulation and gaskets, leading to his disease.

After hearing evidence during a two week trial, the jury deliberated for approximately a day and a half before returning a defense verdict, finding that our client’s conduct was not negligent. Plaintiff’s counsel had requested approximately $17 million in damages during closing arguments.