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Torts
Product Liability
Asbestos Exposure

Ruth Yager, individually and as personal representative of the heirs and estate of decedent Roy Yager, Richard Yager and Rebecca Yager v. John Crane Inc.

Published: Dec. 27, 2008 | Result Date: Aug. 28, 2008 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: CGC-05-440678 Verdict –  $3,949,740

Court

San Francisco Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Kenneth A. Lee

Michael B. Gurien

Michael L. Armitage
(Waters, Kraus & Paul)


Defendant

Robert M. Hamblett

Robert L. Nelder
(WFBM LLP)

Anthony T. Topolsky


Facts

Decedent Roy Yager was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure from defendant John Crane, Inc.'s packing materials and gaskets. Plaintiff's wife, Ruth Yager, in her individual capacity and as the representative for decedent's heirs and estate, filed suit against defendant alleging strict liability theories of design defect and failure to warn, as well as a negligence claim.

Result

Jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff, finding that defendant was five percent liable and returning a verdict of $3,949,737.75, ($699,737.75 economic damages and $3,250,000 non-economic damages). After off-sets from settlements reached with other parties, defendant's joint and several liability in economic damages was zero and non-economic damages was $162,500.

Other Information

On Sept. 23, 2008, defendant filed a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and plaintiff filed an opposition on Oct. 10, 2008.


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