Texas Jury Awards $1.2 Million in Mud Additive Case

ANGLETON, Texas -- A Texas jury has awarded $1.2 million in what is believed to be the first asbestos drilling mud additive verdict in the state, sources told HarrisMartin. Puckett, et al. v. Baker Hughes Inc., et al., No. 49563 (Texas 23rd Dist. Ct., Brazoria Cty.).

The Texas 23rd District Court for Brazoria County reached the verdict on Oct. 5 and found remaining defendants Union Carbide and Montello Inc. liable for the development of the decedent's mesothelioma.

Judge Ben Hardin presided over the two-week trial that ended after one day of juror deliberations.

The widow of Danny Puckett asserted …