This is the property of the Daily Journal Corporation and fully protected by copyright. It is made available only to Daily Journal subscribers for personal or collaborative purposes and may not be distributed, reproduced, modified, stored or transferred without written permission. Please click "Reprint" to order presentation-ready copies to distribute to clients or use in commercial marketing materials or for permission to post on a website. and copyright (showing year of publication) at the bottom.


Personal Injury
Product Liability
Asbestos Exposure

John R. Davis v. American Standard, Leslie Controls, Warren Pumps

Published: Dec. 1, 2007 | Result Date: Oct. 12, 2007 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: BC367464 Verdict –  $25,100,000 (to John Davis); $10,000,000 (to Anna Davis)

Court

L.A. Superior Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Gary M. Paul
(Waters, Kraus & Paul)

Dimitri N. Nichols


Defendant

James G. Scadden
(Gordon & Rees LLP)

James P. Cunningham


Facts

Plaintiff John R. "Jack" Davis, a retired U.S. Navy boiler tender, was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in January 2007. Davis brought suit against defendants including Florida-based Leslie Controls and Massachusetts-based Warren Pumps (who supplied the material to the Navy). Davis claimed his illness was caused by exposure to asbestos-containing pipes and valves during his career more than 50 years ago.

Result

The jury awarded plaintiff $35.1 million in compensatory damages. Leslie Controls and Warren Pumps must each pay 7.1 percent of the damages. The remainder will be assigned to the employers of Mr. Davis (50 percent shared equally by the U.S. Navy, Shell Oil, and the Idaho National Engineering Lab). The remaining 50 percent was divided equally amongst seven equipment manufacturers including Leslie and Warren.

Other Information

Plaintiffs called Arnold Brody Ph.D., Alan Brodkin M.D., and Francis Burger. FILING DATE: March 2007.

Length

five weeks


#91400

For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:

Email jeremy@reprintpros.com for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390