California appellate court upholds $4.5 million jury award in asbestos personal injury case
Bankhead v. ArvinMeritor, Inc. (Cal. App. Apr. 19, 2012)
Opinion by Presiding Justice Ignazio (“Nace”) John Ruvolo
Background: Burnham Brown; Shaun Martin. http://legalnewsline.com/news/236027-calif.-court-affirms-asbestos-award-calls-company-reprehensible
http://www.metnews.com/articles/2012/arvi042312.htm
Defendant manufactured brakepads using asbestos for decades without warning those using them of the hazard. As a result plaintiff Gordon Bankhead, an auto mechanic, due to his asbestos exposure developed mesothelioma. The jury verdict held defendant liable for $1.8 million in compensatory damages and $4.5 million in exemplary damages, despite defendant’s claims that it had a negative net worth. The appellate court sustained the verdict in full.
James L. Oberman, Gloria C. Amell, and Michael T. Stewart for plaintiffs.
David K. Schultz, Frank K. Berfield, Lisa L. Oberg, John J. Lyons, Milton A. Miller, and David E. Jang, for defendant.
Update (___): Review denied by California Supreme Court. See here and here.