Auto mechanic worked on brakes, dies of mesothelioma. $10.9 million gross verdict. Fresno County.

Summary

Plaintiffs' decedent worked on brakes as an auto mechanic, and also worked as a plumber. He was exposed to asbestos in both jobs. Punitive damages against defendant Honeywell (Bendix). Very low section 998 settlement offer by defendant.

The Case

Case Name: Phillips v. Honeywell International, Inc. et al
Court and Case Number: Fresno Superior Court / 12CECG04055
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Date Action was Filed: Thursday, May 30, 2013
Type of Case: Asbestos, Products Liability
Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Jeffrey Y. Hamilton
Plaintiffs:
Charity Phillips; the estate of James Lester Phillips; Jaycee Smith; Michael Phillips; JT Phillips
Defendants:
Honeywell (Bendix)
Type of Result: Jury Verdict

The Result

Gross Verdict or Award: $10,938,500.
Net Verdict or Award: TBD
Settlement Amount: N/A
Award as to each Defendant:
30% fault on Honeywell (Bendix)
Economic Damages:
$900,000
Non-Economic Damages:
$6,538,500
Punitive Damages:
$3,500,000. The jury found that Honeywell (Bendix) had displayed a conscious disregard for the rights and safety of others and made a punitive finding to punish and deter Honeywell.
Trial or Arbitration Time: 1 month
Jury Deliberation Time: 5 1/2 days

The Attorneys

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Simon Greenstone Panatier & Bartlett by Stuart J. Purdy and Robert A. Green, Long Beach.

Co-counsel with Worthington & Caron, P.C., San Pedro.
Attorney for the Defendant:
Thompson & Knight by Joseph Pevsner, Dallas, TX.
Perkins Coie by Brien McMahon, San Francisco.

The Experts

Plaintiff’s Medical Experts:
Carl A. Brodkin, M.D., occupational and environmental health physician, Seattle, WA.
Eugene J. Mark, M.D., pathologist, Boston, MA.
Defendant's Medical Experts:
Richard Attanoos, pulmonary pathology, Cardiff, Wales.
David Weill, M.D., pulmonary specialist, Stanford.
Patrick Hessel, epidemiology.
Defendant's Technical Experts:
Lawrence Radlinski, engineering.
Kenneth White, industrial hygienist.

Facts and Background

Facts and Background:
James Phillips worked with cars his entire life. He was exposed to asbestos when installing, removing, and replacing brakes while employed in Mariposa, CA at various garages and on his personal vehicles over the course of many years. He also worked for several years as a plumber.

He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in February 2012 and passed away one year later on February 17, 2013 at the age of 59.
Defendant's Contentions:
That asbestos in brakes does not cause mesothelioma.

Injuries and Other Damages

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Wrongful Death damages.

Demands and Offers

Defendant §998 Offer: $22,500