S.C. Jury Awards $700,000 in Case Alleging Less Than 1 Year of Exposure

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- A South Carolina jury has awarded $700,000 to the family of a man whose only alleged asbestos exposure occurred during the 1950s when he was employed by Bethlehem Steel. Firth, et al. v. AGCO Corp., et al., No. 2007-CP-40-02580 (S.C. Ct. Comm. Pls., Richland Cty.).

The Court of Common Pleas for Richland County jury reached the June 26 verdict after less than five hours of deliberations, sources told HarrisMartin.

Judge Larry Patterson presided over the trial.

The claims were asserted on behalf of the estate of Thomas Firth, who was allegedly exposed to asbestos while working …