Verdict of $6 Million Entered; Defendant Responsible for $1.2 Million

PHILADELPHIA -- Asbestos defendant Melrath Gasket Inc. was the lone remaining defendant at the conclusion of a reverse bifurcated trial in which the Pennsylvania jury assigned a total of $6 million in damages, sources told HarrisMartin. Busatto, et al. v. Melrath Gasket Inc., et al., No. 2008-2137 (Pa. Ct. Comm. Pls., Philadelphia Cty.).

Prior to the trial in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, the remaining parties stipulated that Melrath would be responsible for one-fifth of the verdict, leaving the amount entered against it at $1.2 million, sources added.

Judge Victor J. DiNubile Jr. presided over the trial. The first …