Cases In 2003

Asbestos Cases in 2003

Below are summaries of our trials from 2003.

Brayton Purcell LLP Wins Verdicts for Clients Against Center for Claims Resolution

The Center for Claims Resolution (CCR), a settlement organization comprised of former manufacturers of asbestos products, should not have sent the plaintiffs in asbestos cases checks for amounts that were less than what was agreed to in the original settlements. CCR had claimed that it was not liable for the shortages because they were due to the financial problems of its member companies.

(In re: Complex Asbestos Litigation: Patricia Anderegg, et al. v. Center for Claims Resolution, 2003, Case No. 828684, San Francisco Superior Court)

San Francisco Jury Awards $2,999,543 in Asbestos Case

A San Francisco jury awarded $2,999,543 to a 74–year old retired electrician who is terminally ill with pleural mesothelioma caused by occupational asbestos exposure. He worked with asbestos–containing phenolic plastic compounds and asbestos–containing parts on electrical equipment.

(Philip Hoeffer v. Rockwell Automation, 2003, Case No. 28817, San Francisco Superior Court)

Over $5 Million Awarded in Asbestos Lung Cancer Case

An asbestos lung cancer victim who was employed as a Navy machinist and engineering officer was awarded over $5 million by a San Francisco jury. He had worked with asbestos gaskets and steam packing as well as with asbestos–containing marine valves during his career.

(Edward Jones v. John Crane Incorporated, et al, 2003, San Francisco Superior Court)

SF Jury Awards Over $1.1 Million to Engineer with Asbestosis

A San Francisco jury awarded over $1.1 million to a stationary engineer suffering from asbestosis due to his exposure to asbestos. For 35 years, his job included maintaining laundry equipment. He replaced asbestos–containing binders, pads, and covers––items manufactured by the defendants.

(Asbestos Plaintiff v. American Laundry Machinery, Inc., 2003, San Francisco Superior Court)

Selected Verdicts: 2003

Patricia Anderegg, et al. v. Center for Claims Resolution
Civil Bench Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Hon. James J. McBride
Trial Type: Breach of Contract-Asbestos
Verdict: $1,019,092
December 2003

Carl Ransdell v. Sequoia Ventures, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Hon. Lillian Sing
Trial Type: Product Liability-Mesothelioma
Case Resolved During Jury Selection: Excess of $2,500,000
October 2003

Clarence Green v. Union Carbide Corp, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Hon. Wallace Douglass
Trial Type: Personal Injury-Mesothelioma
Case Resolved During Plaintiff’s Case in Chief: Excess of $1,600,000
August 2003

Norman Hopkins v. Union Carbide Corp., et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Hon. Donald Mitchell
Trial Type: Product Liability-Mesothelioma
Case Resolved at Conclusion of Plaintiff’s Case in Chief: Excess of $5,500,000
June – July 2003

Gertrude Bailty, et al. v. Oscar Erickson, Inc.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Hon. Charlene Mitchell
Trial Type: Wrongful Death-Colon Cancer
Case Resolved After Jury Selection, Prior to Opening: Excess of $400,000
May 2003

Otto Schiebold v. Asbestos Defendants
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Hon. Charlene Mitchell
Trial Type: Negligence-Products Liability
Case Resolved After Pre-Trial Motions/Voir Dire: Excess of $6,250,000
March – April 2003

Judy Arndt v. Ford Motor Company
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: King County, Washington
Judge: Hon. Linda Lau
Trial Type: Negligence-Products Liability
Case Resolved Prior to Trial: Excess of $2,200,000
Defense Verdict for Ford
February 2003

Lester Tims v. Ford Motor Company
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Hon. Carlos Bea
Trial Type: Negligence-Products Liability
Case Resolved After Opening Statements
January 2003