Calif. Judge Vacates Verdict Against Crane Co., Cites Taylor

LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Superior Court has vacated a verdict in which jurors awarded nearly $17 million verdict but assessed only .5 percent liability to Crane Co., one of two defendants remaining at the time of the verdict. Woodard, et al. v. Alfa Laval Inc., et al., No. BC387774 (Calif. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty.).

In a July 31 order granting Crane Co.'s motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, the court said that in light of the recent Taylor decision, the result in the instant action could not stand.

"The court agrees with Crane Co. that the …