Motion picture cables and lights alleged to contain asbestos that caused mesothelioma.
The Case
- Case Name: George Stephenson v. PK&P Investment Co. F/K/A Mole-Richardson Co., Ltd, Mole-Richardson Rentals
- Court and Case Number: Los Angeles Superior Court / 25STCV11597
- Date of Verdict or Judgment: Friday, February 27, 2026
- Date Action was Filed: Friday, April 18, 2025
- Type of Case: Products Liability
- Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. Stephen Czuleger
- Plaintiffs:
George Stephenson, 80
- Defendants:
PK&P Investment Co. F/K/A Mole-Richardson Co., Ltd, Mole-Richardson Rentals
- Type of Result: Jury Verdict
The Result
- Gross Verdict or Award: $33,384,400
- Net Verdict or Award: $33,384,400
- Settlement Amount: The matter resolved prior to the completion of Phase 2 of the punitive damages proceedings.
- Award as to each Defendant:
Mole Richardson - $33,384,400 (100% liability)
- Economic Damages:
Waived
- Trial or Arbitration Time: 9 court days
- Jury Deliberation Time: 2 1/2 hours
- Jury Polls: Unanimous on all causes of action and finding of malice.
The Attorneys
- Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Weitz & Luxenberg by Jamie Mattera, Sara Merrill and Tyler Stock, New York, NY and Los Angeles.
- Attorney for the Defendant:
Gordon & Rees by John Katerndahl and Brandon Sanchez, Los Angeles and Irvine.
The Experts
- Plaintiff’s Medical Expert(s):
Barry Horn, M.D., pulmonology.
David Zhang M.D., pathology.
- Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
James Crapo, M.D., pulmonology.
- Plaintiff's Technical Expert(s):
Steven Compton, Ph.D., materials and industrial hygiene.
David Rosner, Ph.D., state of the art.
- Defendant's Technical Expert(s):
Jeffrey Birkner, Ph.D., CIH, environmental health science.
Rachel Maines, Ph.D., history of technology.
Facts and Background
- Facts and Background:
Plaintiff worked as a cameraman for nearly 50 years in the film industry. He remained active in the industry until just a few years before he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. The sole defendant at trial, Mole-Richardson, was a manufacturer of theatrical and studio lighting that supplied approximately 95% of the lights used in Hollywood productions for much of its history. It used asbestos-insulated "motion picture cables" and various other asbestos-containing parts in its lights, which plaintiff alleged caused his mesothelioma.
- Plaintiff's Contentions:
Plaintiff alleged his exposure to asbestos-containing Mole-Richardson stage lighting products contributed to his risk of developing mesothelioma.
- Defendant's Contentions:
Defendant Mole-Richardson denied that its asbestos-containing stage lighting products contributed to George Stephenson's risk of developing mesothelioma.
Injuries and Other Damages
- Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Mesothelioma