Top Plaintiffs' Verdict by Impact: Sutherland v. 3M Co. et al.

Plaintiffs' attorneys were able to secure a $26.6 million verdict in an asbestos litigation case in March, convincing a jury the plaintiff had developed mesothelioma after working on a few construction projects where he handled products produced by the defendants.

Michael Sutherland was left reeling with a mesothelioma diagnosis in April 2012, according to his attorneys. Jurors found that both Highland Stucco and Lime Products Inc. were culpable in Sutherland's illness because they had not labeled their products as dangerous. Plaintiffs' attorneys in the case used theories of strict liability and negligence to secure the verdict last March. Sutherland v. 3M Co. et al., 13-JV713 (L.A. Super. Ct., filed June 20, 2012).

Stuart Purdy of Simon, Greenstone, Panatier & Bartlett PC, one of Sutherland's attorneys, said the win illustrated that manufacturers had a responsibility to inform individuals using their products of any risks associated with them. This responsibility was particularly important in cases where life-threatening side effects were possible.

Purdy said that while the facts of the case were compelling, the plaintiffs themselves were what gave the litigation team its biggest advantage.

"I'd love to say it was fantastic lawyer and great strategy," he said. "But really it was just a sympathetic couple, a very likeable husband and wife."

Several other parties settled out of court with Sutherland before the litigation began.

Defense attorney Michael C. Osborne of Archer Norris APLC couldn't be reached for comment.

- HENRY MEIER

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