Statutory Cap, Settlements Knock Millions from Asbestos Verdicts

BALTIMORE - A state court judge has substantially slashed verdicts awarded to the families of two men who died after succumbing to asbestos-related diseases. Mackenzie, et al., v. ACandS, Inc., et al., No. 24-X-00-000380 (Md. Cir. Ct., Baltimore City).

Noting the incorrectness of the statement that "all of the problem issues" in asbestos litigation have been determined by appellate courts, Judge Richard T. Rombro of the Baltimore City Circuit Court used Maryland's statutory cap on wrongful death awards and the set-off of settlements reached with defendants prior to trial in both cases to reduce the awards, collectively by as much …