California Court of Appeal

Judgment for plaintiffs on their claims for negligence, strict liability, and loss of consortium against defendant alleging that its asbestos-laden products caused plaintiff William Pfeifer's mesothelioma is affirmed, but modified, where: 1) the trial court correctly declined to give defendant's requested instructions on its "sophisticated user" defense; 2) there was sufficient evidence to support the jury's findings regarding comparative fault; 2) the award of punitive damages was supported by the evidence and was not excessive; 3) the trial court properly determined defendant's credit for the pre-verdict settlements; and 4) plaintiffs' net economic damages are modified to reflect the correct determination.

Appellate Information

• Decided 10/29/2013
• Published 10/29/2013

Judges

• MANELLA

Court

• California Court of Appeal

Counsel