Edward Walton, Carol Walton v. Alfa Laval Inc., The William Powell Company
Published: Apr. 12, 2008 | Result Date: Mar. 4, 2008 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: BC361382 Verdict – $21,050,000
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Ethan A. Horn
(Dean Omar Branham Shirley)
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Shigeru Chino
(medical)
Edwin Holstein
(medical)
Arnold R. Brody Ph.D.
(medical)
David T. Fractor Ph.D.
(technical)
Facts
Edward Walton, a 79-year-old California resident, suffered from lung cancer allegedly caused by asbestos exposure. Walton was diagnosed with lung cancer in November 2005. Walton is a retired U.S. Navy welder who served honorably from 1946-1968. During approximately six years of his service, Walton was regularly exposed to asbestos performing repairs and maintenance to marine equipment, including William Powell valves that were insulated with asbestos and contained asbestos gaskets and packing. Although Walton had a remote smoking history, he also suffered from asbestosis.
Result
The jury returned a $20,050,000 verdict in favor of the Walton family. The jury assessed $20.5 million in non-economic damages and $550,000 in economic damages. The jury found that William Powell's valves were defectively designed and that the company negligently failed to warn Walton and others of the inherent dangers of working with their asbestos-laden valves. The jury also found that William Powell acted with malice. William Powell was assessed 25 percent fault for causing Walton's lung cancer.
Deliberation
seven hours
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