Gil Purcell: Selected Trials

Brayton Purcell LLP – Attorneys Helping People

Interior of a courtroom at the San Francisco Superior Court.

Gil Purcell, Senior Partner and lead trial attorney at the law firm of Brayton Purcell.Gil Purcell: Selected Trials

Brayton Purcell is the most active trial firm on the west coast. As lead counsel, Mr. Purcell has tried numerous asbestos personal injury actions and other cases representing injured or victimized people, winning over $150 million in verdict awards for clients.

The following list includes information about many of Mr. Purcell’s trials from 1985 to the present. It is updated regularly.

Joseph Zink v. Jacuzzi, Inc., et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County
Judge: John Stewart
Trial Type: Negligence—Products Liability—Pump Packing and Gaskets—Colon Cancer/Asbestosis
Case Settled at Jury Selection: Excess of $750,000 as Against All Defendants
July 2010
Thomas and Victoria Olson v. Pacific Coast Building Products, Inc., et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco, CA
Judge: John Stewart
Trial Type: Colon Cancer—Negligence—Product Liability—Asbestos Pipe Supply
Case Settled During Jury Selection: Excess of $900,000 as to All Defendants
June, 2010
Vickie Warren v. Georgia Pacific; Hamilton Materials and Union Carbide Corporation
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Salt Lake City, Utah
Judge: Glenn Iwasaki
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Peritoneal Mesothelioma—Product Liability—Negligence
Verdict: $5,256,818.61
April–May 2010
Christopher Bakkie; Charles Bakkie v. Union Carbide Corporation
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County
Judge: Charlene Padovani Kisselbach
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Mesothelioma
Verdict: $1,000,000 (non–economic damages as personal injury verdict including all economic damages—see Sept 2006 below—fully satisfied pre–trial)
February–March 2010
Al Samuelson v. Amcord, Inc., et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Los Angeles County
Judge: Ricardo A. Torres
Trial Type: Lung Cancer—Products Liability—Negligence
Case Settled During Plaintiff’s Case in Chief: Excess of $1,000,000 as to All Defendants
December 2009–January 2010
Mareta Ryan, et ux. v. Gardner Denver, Inc., et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Gail DeKreon
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Lung Cancer—Products Liability—Negligence
Case Resolved After Plaintiffs Opening Statement: Excess of $150,000 as to All Case Defendants
December 2009
Bernice Cox, et ux. v. Leslie Controls, Inc., et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Gail DeKreon
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Mesothelioma—Product Liability—Negligence
Case Resolved During Jury Deliberations: Excess of $800,000 as to All Defendants
November–December 2009
Bruce Wall, et ux. v. J.T. Thorpe & Son, Inc; Wickes, Inc.; et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Tomar Mason
Trial Type: Living Mesothelioma—Products Liability—Negligence
Case Resolved After Hung Jury at Start of Retrial: Excess of $4.75 Million as to All Defendants
September–November 2009
Patricia Pascale, et ux. v. Cleaver Brooks, Inc.; Quintec, Inc.; et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Los Angeles County, California
Judge: Ronald Sohigian
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Peritoneal Mesothelioma—Negligence—Product Liability
Case Resolved at Jury Selection: Excess of seven figures
June–July 2009
Jack Reynolds v. Hamilton Materials, Inc.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco, California
Judge: Mary Wiss
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence—Mesothelioma from Drywall Products
Verdict: $8,468,759
May–June 2009
Charlotte Smith, et ux. v. Sequoia Ventures, Inc.; Foster Wheeler LLC, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco, California
Judge: Robert Dondero
Trial Type: Wrongful Death Buccal Cancer—Negligence—Product Liability—Boilermaker
Case Settled at the Close of Jury Selection: Excess of $750,000
April–May 2009
Pamela Baur, et ux. v. Sequoia Ventures, Inc., et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco, California
Judge: Bruce Chan
Trial Type: Lung Cancer—Wrongful Death—Product Liability—Negligence
Case Settled at Opening Statement: Excess of $750,000 as to all Defendants
April 2009
Stephanie Berg, et ux. v. Scott Company of California, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco, California
Judge: Robert J. Dondero
Trial Type: Peritoneal Mesothelioma—Wrongful Death—Product Liability—Negligence
Case Settled During Plaintiff’s Case in Chief: Excess of $1,750,000 as to all Defendants
March 2009
Connie Trujillo, et ux. v. Sequoia Ventures, Inc.; Fluor Corporation; et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco, California
Judge: Curtis E. Karnow
Trial Type: Peritoneal Mesothelioma—Wrongful Death—General Contractor Negligence
Case Settled During Plaintiff’s Case in Chief: Excess of $900,000 as to all Defendants
March 2009
Margaret Simpson, et ux. v. Union Carbide; J S Guerin Co.; SF Gravel Co.; et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco, California
Judge: Curtis E. Karnow
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Mesothelioma—Negligence—Product Liability
Case Settled Just Prior to Closing Statements: Excess of $2.5 Million as to all Defendants
Jan–Feb 2009
Robert Hilt, et al. v. Metalclad Insulation Company, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco, California
Judge: James J. McBride
Trial Type: Living Mesothelioma—Product Liability—Negligence. Retired Janitor/Marine Machinest—Hunters Point and Mare Island Naval Shipyards, US Mint.
Case Settled at End of Plaintiff’s Case in Chief: Excess of $7.5 Million as to all Defendants
Nov–Dec 2008
Marissa DuRette, et al. v. Dana Companies, LLC
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco, California
Judge: Tomar Mason
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Lung Cancer/Mesothelioma—Negligence—Product Liability
Case Settled After Opening Statements: Excess of $900,000 as to all Defendants
September 2008
Mary Marcelja, et al. v. Leslie Controls Company, Inc.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco, California
Judge: Tomar Mason
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Lung Cancer—Negligence—Product Liability
Case Settled After Selection of a Jury at Opening Statements: Excess of $750,000 as to all Defendants
September 2008
Anne Vanden Broek, et al. v. Plant Insulation Company
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco, California
Judge: James J. McBride
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Lung Cancer—Negligence—Products Liability
Verdict: $2,610,720
August–September 2008
Kenneth Martin, et al. v. COE Manufacturing Company, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco, California
Judge: James J. McBride
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence—Peritoneal Mesothelioma Death
Case Settled After Opening Statements: Excess of $750,000 as to all Defendants
August 2008
Richard and Betty Palmer v. Rockwell Automation Inc., et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: James McBride
Trial Type: Product Liability—Negligence—Lung Cancer
Case Settled During Plaintiffs’ Case in Chief: Excess of $1,000,000 as to all Defendants
July–August 2008
Eunice McClure v. Plant Insulation Company, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Tomar Mason
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence—Lung Cancer—Wrongful Death
Case Settled During Plaintiff’s Case in Chief: Excess of $1,000,000 as to all Defendants
June 2008
Barbara J. Walker, et al. v. Foster Wheeler Corporation, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Tomar Mason
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence—Lung Cancer—Wrongful Death
Case Settled After Opening Statements: Excess of $550,000
June 2008
Estate of Otto Schiebold v. Plant Insulation Company, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Tomar Mason
Trial Type: Product Liability—Negligence—Lung Cancer—Wrongful Death
Case Settled at Closing: Excess of $2,400,000
April–May 2008
Judy Oxford, et al. vs. Foster Wheeler Corporation, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Tomar Mason
Trial Type: Product Liability—Negligence—Mesothelioma—Wrongful Death
Verdict: $2,039,519
November 2007–January 2008
Jersey & Shirley Gray v. Allis–Chalmers Prod. Liability Trust, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Tomar Mason
Trial Type: Product Liability—Negligence—Renal Cell Carcinoma
Case Settled After Jury Selection/Opening Statements: Excess of $950,000
September–October 2007
Twila Harford v. Union Pacific Railroad Company
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Thomas Mellon
Trial Type: Federal Employee Liability Act—Negligence—Lung Cancer
Case Settled After Presentation of Plaintiff’s Case: Excess of $1,000,000
3 weeks, August 2007
Shirley McClure v. Plant Insulation Company, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Thomas Mellon
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence—Lung Cancer
Case Settled After Plaintiff’s Opening Statement: Excess of $900,000
2 weeks, July 2007
In re Asbestos Groups 378/391
Civil Jury Trials
Superior Court: San Francisco County
Judge: Thomas Mellon
Trial Type: Product Liability—Negligence—Asbestosis—Pleural Disease
Case Settled During Plaintiffs’ Case in Chief: 6 Trial Cases, 9 Trial Defendants in Excess of $100,000 Per Case
2 weeks, June–July 2007
Albert Cook v. Plant Insulation Company, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Mary Wiss
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence
Case Settled at Jury Selection: Excess of $250,000
2 weeks, May–June 2007
Edward McIntyre v. Metalclad Insulation Corporation, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: John Stewart
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence
Case Settled During Presentation of Plaintiff’s Case in Chief: Excess of $2,600,000
3 weeks, April 2007
Peter and Agnes Reiss v. Pneumo–Abex Corporation, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County
Judge: John E. Munter
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence—Lung Cancer
Case Settled During Plaintiffs’ Case in Chief: Excess of $525,000
2 weeks, March–April 2007
Janet Blakley v. Metalclad Insulation Corporation, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County
Judge: Charlotte Woolard
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Products Liability—Lung Cancer
Case Settled After Jury Selection: Excess of $525,000
2 weeks, March 2007
Rollen Cox (family) and Wenton Hutchinson (family) v. Beazer East, Inc., et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Thomas Mellon
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Product Liability—Negligence—Lung Cancer
Cases Settled During Plaintiffs’ Case in Chief: Excess of $700,000 and $800,000
2 weeks, February 2007
Samuel Barrick v. Allen Bradley Company, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Ronald Quidachay
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence—Mesothelioma
Case Settled at Voir Dire: Excess of $1,750,000
1 week – February 2007
Joseph Kotarski v. Rheem Manufacturing Company, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: A. James Robertson
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence—Mesothelioma
Case Settled After Pre–trial Motions: Excess of $2,250,000
3 weeks, January 2007
Richard Campbell v. Kaiser Gypsum Co, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: John E. Munter
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence—Mesothelioma
Case Settled After Paneling of Jury Veniere: Excess of $1,350,000
2 weeks, November–December 2006
Houston Muckelvane v. Highland Stucco and Lime Company, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Orange County, California
Judge: Thierry Colaw
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence—Asbestosis—Pleural Disease
Case Settled After Jury Selected/Opening Statements: Excess of $140,000
1 week, October 2006
David Bakkie v. Union Carbide Corporation
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County
Judge: Gail DeKreon
Trial type: Personal Injury—Products Liability—Negligence—Mesothelioma
Verdict: $18,523,450
10 weeks, June–September 2006
Charlton Clemmer, et al. v. John Crane, Inc. and Thorpe Insulation Company
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Kevin McCarthy
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Product Liability—Negligence
Verdict: $1,917,400
6 weeks, Febuary–March 2006
Alan Reinstein v. Kentile Floors Inc.; Bondex International Company
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Los Angeles County, California
Judge: Ricardo A. Torres
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Product Liability—Negligence
Case Settled After Verdict for Defendant Bondex: Excess of $900,000
5 weeks, December 2005–January 2006
Genaro Garcia and Delia Garcia v. Duro Dyne Corporation and Holmes & Narver, Inc.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Paul Alvarado
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence
Verdict: $1,900,000
3 weeks, October–November 2005
Walter Cozad v. Certainteed Corporation, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: James Robertson
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence
Case Resolved at Jury Selection: Excess of $400,000
1 week, September 2005
John Surprenant v. 20th Century Fox Corporation, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Los Angeles County, California
Judge: Victor E. Chavez
Trial Type: Product Liability—Negligence—Mesothelioma—Wrongful Death
Case Resolved During Plaintiff’s Case in Chief: Excess of $2,500,000
August 2005
Shaheed Nuriddin v. Kaiser Gypsum Company, Inc.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Paul Alvarado
Trial Type: Product Liability—Negligence
Case Settled After Opening Statement: Excess of $1,000,000
June 2005
Ralph Pierce v. Certainteed Corporation
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Mary Wiss
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence
Verdict: $3,461,333.29
5 weeks, April–May 2005
Ernest Coulter and Lerose Coulter v. ACandS, Inc., et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: King County, Washington
Judge: Sharon Armstrong
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence—Living Asbestosis
Verdict: $242,500
3 weeks, March–April, 2005
Patricia Moore v. Harley Davidson Corp, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: King County, Washington
Judge: Douglas North
Trial Type: Product Liability—Negligence—Mesothelioma—Wrongful Death
Case Settled at Start of Pre–trial Motions: Excess of $1,000,000
1 week, March 2005
In Re Group 283 Asbestos Cases
Consolidated Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Kevin McCarthy
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence
Verdict: Cases Settled Prior to Start of Motions in Limine: Excess of $250,000
3 Weeks, March 2005
Tommy Archibeque v. Rockwell Automation Corporation
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Los Angeles County, California
Judge: Mel Red Recana
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence
Case Settled at the Start of Motions in Limine: Excess of $650,000
1 Week, February 2005
Robert Botorff v. Asbestos Defendants BP, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Los Angeles County, California
Judge: Alexandar Williams III
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence
Case Settled at the Beginning of Jury Selection During Motions in Limine: Excess of $450,000
2 Weeks, February 2005
Chester Harris v. Sequoia Ventures Inc. (fma Bechtel Corporation), et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Charlene Mitchell
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence
Case Settled After Jury Selection: Excess of $750,000
1 Week, January–February 2005
David Dryden v. Volkswagen of America Company, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Alex Saldamondo
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence
Case Settled After Opening Statements: Excess of $1,250,000
2 Weeks, January 2005
Donald Perman v. Duro Dyne Corporation, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: James McBride
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence
Case Settled During Jury Selection: Excess of $1,250,000
2 Weeks, November–December 2004
In Re Group 282 v. Exxon Mobil Corporation, et al.
Consolidated Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Donald Mitchell
Trial Type: Premises Liability—Negligence
Cases Settled During Jury Selection: Excess of $350,000
2 Weeks, October 2004
Thomas McClure v. Fluor Corporation, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: James Robertson II
Trial Type: Products Liability—Premises Liability—Negligence
Case Settled During Jury Selection: Excess of $650,000
2 Weeks, August–September 2004
Anne Mader v. Owens Illinois Company, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: James McBride
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence
Case Settled at Beginning of Voir Dire: Excess of $250,000
1 Week, August 2004
Stanley Ives v. Hamilton Building Materials Company, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: David Ballati
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence
Case Settled After Jury Selection: Excess of $700,000
2 Weeks, August 2004
David Davis v. Kelly Moore Paint Company, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: David Ballati
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence
Case Settled After Opening Statements: Excess of $550,000
2 Weeks, July 2004
Richard Reynolds v. Hill Brothers Chemical Company
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Tomar Mason
Trial Type: Product Liability—Negligence
Case Settled During Jury Selection: Excess of $750,000
1 Week, July 2004
Harlan Ketchum v. Union Carbide Corporation
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Peter Busch
Trial Type: Product Liability—Negligence—Mesothelioma
Verdict: Case Settled During Jury Selection: Excess of $3,600,000
2 weeks, June–July 2004
Morris Nagl and Donna Nagl v. Dowman Products Inc.
Civil Jury Trial
Circuit Court: Multnomah County, Oregon
Judge: John A. Wittmayer
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence—Mesothelioma
Verdict: $659,720.87
3 weeks, May–June 2004
In Re Department of Justice – September 11 Victim Relief Fund
Bench Trial to Special Master
Department of Justice: New York City, New York
Judge: Special Master Kenneth Feinberg
Trial Type: Victim Compensation Fund—Congressional Mandate
Judgment: Claimant Family Awarded $2,083,000
1 day, May 2004
Robert Ryan v. Asbestos Corporation Ltd.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: John E. Munter
Trial Type: Products Liability—Disputed Mesothelioma
Verdict: Defense on Medical Diagnosis
Case Settled with Remaining Defendants: Excess of $500,000
3 weeks, March 2004
John Kiss v. Asbestos Defendants, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Charlene Padovani Mitchell
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence—Colon Cancer
Verdict: Case Settled at Opening Statements: Excess of $1,500,000
3 weeks, February–March 2004
Patricia Anderegg, et al. v. Center for Claims Resolution
Civil Bench Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: James J. McBride
Trial Type: Breach of Contract—Asbestos
Verdict: $1,019,092
1 week, December 2003
Carl Ransdell v. Sequoia Ventures, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Lillian Sing
Trial Type: Product Liability—Mesothelioma
Case Settled During Jury Selection: Excess of $2,500,000
2 weeks, October 2003
Clarence Green v. Union Carbide Corp, et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Wallace Douglass
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Mesothelioma
Case Settled During Plaintiff’s Case in Chief: Excess of $1,600,000
2 weeks, August 2003
Norman Hopkins v. Union Carbide Corp., et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Donald Mitchell
Trial Type: Product Liability—Mesothelioma
Case Settled at Conclusion of Plaintiff’s Case in Chief: Excess of $5,500,000
3 weeks, June–July 2003
Gertrude Bailty, et al. v. Oscar Erickson, Inc.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Charlene Mitchell
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Colon Cancer
Case Settled After Jury Selection, Prior to Opening: Excess of $400,000
2 weeks, May 2003
Otto Schiebold v. Asbestos Defendants
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Charlene Mitchell
Trial Type: Negligence—Products Liability
Case Settled After Pre–Trial Motions/Voir Dire: Excess of $6,250,000
4 weeks, March–April 2003
Judy Arndt v. Ford Motor Company
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: King County, Washington
Judge: Linda Lau
Trial Type: Negligence—Products Liability
Case Settled Prior to Trial: Excess of $2,200,000
Defense Verdict for Ford
4 weeks, February 2003
Lester Tims v. Ford Motor Company
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Carlos Bea
Trial Type: Negligence—Products Liability
Case Settled After Opening Statements
2 weeks, January 2003
Milt Johnson/Alex Mendoza v. Asbestos Defendants
Civil Jury Trial
Oregon Circuit Court: Multnomah County, Oregon
Judge: John Wittmayer
Trial Type: Products Liability
Case Settled After Opening Statements
1 week, November 2002
Perry Wells v. Allen Bradley Company, Inc.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Alfred Chiatelli
Trial Type: Negligence—Products Liability
Case Settled in Part: Defense Verdict for Allen Bradley
6 weeks, June–July 2002
Alfred Todak v. Foster Wheeler L.L.C.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: John E. Munter
Trial Type: Negligence—Products Liability
Verdict: $33,700,000
6 weeks, February–March 2002
Joseph and Thomas Soares (minor twins) v. Tile Council of America, Inc.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Paul Alvarado
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence
Case Settled at Closing: Excess of $750,000
5 weeks, January 2002
Mark Compton, et ux. v. Asbestos Defendants
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Robert Dondero
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence
Case Settled After Opening Statement: Excess of $2,000,000
1 week, November 2001
Anthony Gallegos, et al. v. Dick Simon Trucking, Inc.
Civil Jury Trial
District Court: Salt Lake City, Utah
Judge: Lee A. Dever
Trial Type: Highway Truck Crash
Verdict: $16,400,000
5 weeks, September–November 2001
Group 193
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Alfred Chiantelli
Trial Type: Shipyard—Products Liability
Verdict: $701,001
4 weeks, August 2001
Robert Alexander v. Union Pacific Railroad/Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Co.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Robert Dondero
Trial Type: FELA—Products Liability
Case Settled After Jury Selection: Excess of $750,000
1 week, June–July 2001
Ray Sundberg v. ACandS, Inc., et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: King County, Washington
Judge: Linda Lau
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence—Living Lymphoma
Verdict: $1,511,900
4.5 weeks, March–April 2001
Fred Robertson v. Westside Building Material Co., et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Carlos Bea
Trial Type: Lung and Tongue Cancer
Case Settled After Plaintiff Verdict on Statute of Limitations Defense: Excess of $800,000
2 weeks, January–February 2001
Dennis Emrick v. WR Grace & Co., et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Oregon Circuit Court: Multnomah County, Oregon
Trial Type: Mesothelioma
Case Settled in Part at Pre–Trial: Excess of $2,200,000
Defense verdicts Scapa Dryer Felts, Asten–Hill Manufacturing Co., Quimby Welding Supply, ACandS Inc., United States Mineral Products Co. Appeal pending. Second action filed.
11 weeks, September–November 2000
Theodore Norman/Marion Norman v. US Gypsum Co and Krueger Lumber Co.
Civil Jury Trial
Oregon Circuit Court: Multnomah County, Oregon
Judge: John Wittmayer
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence—Living Mesothelioma
Case Settled During Plaintiff’s Case in Chief: Excess of $600,000
2 weeks, August 2000
Alfred McKeown v. Center for Claims Resolution Defendants
Civil Jury Trial
Oregon Circuit Court: Multnomah County, Oregon
Judge: John Wittmayer
Trial Type: Products Liability—Negligence—Living Lung Cancer
Case Settled After Voir Dire: Excess of $400,000
2 weeks, July 2000
Donald Benedict v. Center for Claims Resolution
Civil Jury Trial
Oregon Circuit Court: Multnomah County
Trial Type: Product Liability—Negligence—Living Lung Cancer
Case Settled After Voir Dire: Excess of $400,000
2 weeks, June 2000
Bernie Chavers v. Owens–Illinois, Inc.; Gatke Corporation
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: James McBride
Personal Injury—Products Liability—Civil Conspiracy—Mesothelioma
Verdict: $4,648,535—Punitive Phase Pending
17 weeks, May 2000
Lynda Broussard v. Graybar Electric Company
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Ernest Goldsmith
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Products Liability—Mesothelioma
Case Settled After Plaintiffs’ Case in Chief
2 weeks, December 1999
Dona Cottam v. Rapid American Corp.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Carlos Bea
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Products Liability—Mesothelioma
Case Settled After Plaintiffs’ Case in Chief: Excess of $750,000
2 weeks, November 1999
Sandra Holland v. U.S. Mineral; Douglas Insulation Co.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Stuart Pollak
Trial Type: Products Liability—Personal Injury—Mesothelioma
Case Settled After Opening Statements: Excess of $1,000,000
1 week, October 1999
Robert Bush v. Kaiser Gypsum
Civil Jury Trial
Oregon Circuit Court: Multnomah County, Oregon
Judge: Anna Brown
Trial Type: Products Liability—Personal Injury—Non–Hodgkins Lymphoma
Case Settled After Verdict: Excess of $1,500,000
6 weeks, August–September 1999
Jim White v. ACandS, Inc.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: John Conway
Trial Type: Products Liability—Personal Injury—Mesothelioma
2 weeks, June 1999
Tracy Thompson v. T&N PLC
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: John Conway
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Products Liability—Mesothelioma
1 week, May 1999
Arthur Manners v. E.J. Bartells Co.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: John Dearman
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Products Liability—Asbestosis
Case Settled During Trial: Excess of $3,500,000
1 week, April 1999
Janis Hoffman v. Mobil Oil Co.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Carlos Bea
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Jones Act—Mesothelioma
Case Settled After Verdict
2 weeks, March 1999
Frank Dens v. Burlington Northern Railroad
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Los Angeles County, California
Judge: Frank Gafkowski
Trial Type: Personal Injury—FELA—Mesothelioma
Case Settled During Trial: Excess of $500,000
1 week, March 1999
Kenneth Kugelman v. John Crane Co. (opening statement)
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Raymond Arata
Trial Type: Products Liability—Personal Injury—Lung Cancer
Case on Appeal After Verdict
4 weeks, February 1999
Donald Dressler v. Lear Siegler Co.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Diane Wick
Trial Type: Products Liability—Personal Injury—Lymphoma
Case Mistried: Plaintiff Died During Trial
1 week, January 1999
James Davidson v. Synkoloid Company
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Diane Wick
Trial Type: Products Liability—Personal Injury—Laryngeal Cancer
Case Settled After Verdict: Excess of $1,500,000
8 weeks, November–December 1998
Hendrick Oranje v. Dowman Products Company
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Diane Wick
Trial Type: Products Liability—Laryngeal Cancer
Case Settled After Verdict: Excess of $2,500,000
3 weeks, October 1998
Barbara Wiggins v. Owens Corning Fiberglas
Pre–Trial/Trial
Superior Court: Los Angeles County, California
Judge: Frank Gafkowski
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Products Liability—Lung Cancer
Case Settled During Trial: Excess of $200,000
1 week, September 1998
Daniel Wilson v. John Crane Co.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Douglas Munson
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Products Liability—Mesothelioma
Pending on Appeal After Verdict: Excess of $4,500,000
7 weeks, July 1998
Dale Walker v. Owens Corning Fiberglas
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Orange County, California
Judge: James McDonald
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Products Liability—Asbestosis
Case Settled Prior to Entering Punitive Phase: Excess of $100,000
6 weeks, June 1998
Gerald Baer, et al. v. Owens Corning
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Orange County, California
Judge: Phillip Petty
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Products Liability—Asbestosis
Case Settled After Verdict
6 weeks, April–May 1998
Raymond Burks v. Owens Corning Fiberglas
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Douglas Munson
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Products Liability—Asbestosis
Settled After Verdict
1 week, February 1998
Gerald August, et al. v. Raymark Industries, Inc.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Solano County, California
Judge: Richard Harris
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Wrongful Death—Conspiracy—Asbestosis
Raymark Filed for Bankruptcy After Verdicts: Excess of $6,500,000
20 weeks, October–February 1997–1998
ARKA Project Group v. U.S. Gypsum
Pre–Trial/Appeal
Superior Court: Los Angeles County, California
Judge: Bruce Mitchell—Commissioner
Trial Type: Asbestos Property Damage
Case Settled While on Appeal: Excess of $850,000
1 week, October 1997
Elias Sanchez v. Owens Corning Fiberglas
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Paul Alvarado
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Products Liability—Mesothelioma
Case Settled After Verdict: Excess of $750,000
7 weeks, July–September 1997
Rafi Barkat v. Tosco Oil Co., Inc.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: James Warren
Trial Type: Premises Liability—Personal Injury—Lung Cancer
Case Settled After Verdict and Appeal
8 weeks, April–June 1997
Celia Epman v. Asbestos Corp
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Carlos Bea
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Products Liability—Lung Cancer
Case Settled During Trial
1 week, March 1997
James Sleevy v. Owens Corning Fiberglas
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Lillian Sing
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Products Liability—Asbestosis
Case Settled After Verdict
3 weeks, February 1997
Donna Grahn v. Fluor Corp., et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Raymond Williamson
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Products Liability—Lung Cancer
Case Pending New Trial After Reversed on Appeal
6 weeks, December–January 1996–1997
Marlene Kowalski v. Metaclad Corporation
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Raymond Williamson
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Products Liability—Lung Cancer
Settled After Appeal of Verdict: Excess of $300,000
6 weeks, September–December 1996
Asbestos Group 87/94—Williams, et al. v. Southern Pacific Railroad
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Lucy McCabe
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Products Liability—Lung Cancer
Settled After Jury Verdict
4 weeks, June–July 1996
Mary Anderegg v. Owens Corning Fiberglas
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Carlos Bea
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Products—Mesothelioma
Case Settled During Trial
2 weeks, March 1996
Charles Murphy v. Owens Corning Fiberglas
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Alfred Chiantelli
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Products Liability—Asbestosis
Case Settled After Verdict and Punitive Damages: Excess of $1,000,000
24 weeks, January–February 1996
Gerald Snook v. Metaclad Corporation
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Alfred Chiantelli
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Products Liability—Asbestosis
Case Settled After Verdicts: Excess of $150,000
3 Cases Consolidated, 24 weeks, August–January 1995–1996
Jackie Gray v. Owens Corning Fiberglass
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: James Robertson
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Products—Lung Cancer
Case Tried to Verdict: Settled
3 weeks, May 1995
E.J. Phillips v. Abex Corp., et al.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Richard Figone
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Products Liability—Mesothelioma
Case Tried to Verdict: Settled
6 weeks, April 1995
Bobbie Wanzo v. U.S. Mineral Products
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Donald Mitchell
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Products Liability—Mesothelioma
Settled After Verdict
7 weeks, March 1995
Century Park East Assoc. v. US Gypsum Co.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Los Angeles County, California
Judge: Richard Montes
Trial Type: Products Liability—Asbestos Property Damage
Case Settled After Trial: Excess of $3,500,000
5 weeks, November 1994
Tommy Hendrix v. V.I.P. Trucking
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Santa Clara County, California
Judge: Leslie Nichols
Trial Type: Truck Accident—Highway Premises
Case Settled After Judge Ruled on Motions, Jury Selection: Excess of $2,500,000
4 weeks, July 1994
J.H. Snyder Co. v. U.S. Gypsum Co.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Los Angeles County, California
Judge: James Satt
Trial Type: Products Liability—Asbestos Property Damage
Case Settled After Trial: Excess of $1,000,000
3 weeks, April 1994
Angelo Sangiacomo v. U.S. Gypsum Co.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Richard Figone
Trial Type: Asbestos Property Damage—Products Liability
Case Settled After Appeal of Verdict
3 weeks, October 1993
Ina Dalton v. Brea Community Hospital
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Orange County, California
Judge: Nancy Weiben Stock
Trial Type: Medical Malpractice
Case Mistried During Trial Due to Juror Seizure
1 week, June 1993
Bunker Hill Towers Condominium Assoc. v. W.R. Grace Co.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Los Angeles County, California
Judge: Ernest Hiroshige
Trial Type: Asbestos Property Damage—Products Liability
Case Settled After Appeal of Verdict: Excess of $6,000,000
16 weeks, February 1992
Dennis Johnson v. Cabrillo Community College
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Santa Cruz County, California
Judge: Samuel Stevens
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Formaldehyde—Statute of Limitations
Case Settled After Verdict: Excess of $750,000
3 weeks, August 1991
Francis Ainis, et al. v. J.L. Jones & Co.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Los Angeles County, California
Judge: Lawrence Waddington
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Tenant Asbestos Exposure
Case Settled After Verdict: Excess of $250,000
4 weeks, July 1991
Los Angeles Community College District v. W.R. Grace Co.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Los Angeles County, California
Judge: William Masterson
Trial Type: Asbestos Property Damage—Statute of Limitations
Case Settled After Appeal of Judgment
2 weeks, June 1990
Mary Conway v. Gates, Kingsley & Gates
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Los Angeles County, California
Judge: Sara Radin
Trial Type: Mortuary Malpractice—Loss of Remains
Case Settled After Appeal of Verdict: Excess of $1,000,000
3 weeks, March 1990
Miles Harrison v. H.K. Porter
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Morton Colvin
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Products Liability—Asbestosis
Case Settled After Verdict: Excess of $1,000,000
7 weeks, March 1989
Louis Quakenbush v. Southern Pacific Trans. Co.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Sacramento County, California
Judge: John Davies
Trial Type: Personal Injury—FELA—Asbestosis
Case Settled During Trial
1 week, November 1988
Vartkes Kilitzian v. Eagle–Picher Industries
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: William Stein
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Products Liability—Asbestosis
Case Settled After Verdict: Excess of $225,000
8 weeks, July 1988
Sonia Lerman v. County of Los Angeles
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Los Angeles County, California
Judge: Norman Epstein
Trial Type: Slip and Fall at County Museum—Broken Hip
Case Settled After 2 Days of Trial
1 week, February 1988
Ethel Miller v. Asbestos Claims Facility
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Alameda County, California
Judge: Richard Bancroft
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Products Liability—Mesothelioma
Case Settled After Verdict: Excess of $200,000
11 weeks, January 1988
Mario Franco v. Asbestos Claims Facility
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Alameda County, California
Judge: Richard Bancroft
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Products Liability—Asbestosis
Case Settled During Trial: Excess of $150,000
1 week, December 1987
James Harris v. Western MacArthur Co.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Alameda County, California
Judge: Richard Bancroft
Trial Type: Personal Injury—Products Liability—Asbestosis
Case Settled After Verdict: Excess of $125,000
2 weeks, November 1987
Ralph Caravaca v. Southern Pacific Railroad
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: San Francisco County, California
Judge: Ollie Marie–Victoire
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—FELA—Mesothelioma
Case Settled After Verdict
6 weeks, August 1987
Vincent Marino v. Southern Pacific Railroad; John Crane Co.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Los Angeles County, California
Judge: Ronald M. George
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Mesothelioma
Case Settled After Appeals of Verdict: Excess of $750,000
8 weeks, July 1986
William Cook v. Southern Pacific Railroad
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Ventura County, California
Judge: Jack Thompson
Trial Type: Wrongful Death—Railroad Crossing
Case Settled After Appeal of Verdict
2 weeks, May 1986
Ruth Boris v. Briar Oak Terrace Convalescent Center
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Los Angeles County, California
Judge: Betty Jo Sheldon
Trial Type: Convalescent Hospital Malpractice—Wrongful Death
Case Settled After Verdict: Excess of $75,000
4 weeks, April 1986
Manuel Flores v. Gannet Corp.
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Riverside County, California
Judge: John Hews
Trial Type: Defamation Trial
Case Settled After Verdict: Excess of $900,000
8 weeks, March 1986
Sharon Moore v. Santa Fe Railroad
Civil Jury Trial
Superior Court: Riverside County, California
Judge: Ray Schulte
Trial Type: Railroad Crossing Accident
Case Settled After Verdict: Excess of $100,000
4 weeks, May 1985