Jury Awards $35.3 Million in Naval Case; Allocates 70 Percent Liability

LOS ANGELES - A California jury has awarded $35.3 million for asbestos-related injuries a plaintiff claims occurred while he served aboard a U.S. Navy ship in the 1960s and 1970s, sources told HarrisMartin Publishing. Keleman, et al. v. Alfal Laval Inc., et al., No. BC384059 (Calif. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty.).

The Los Angeles County Superior Court jury reached the verdict on Oct. 20 after a day-and-a-half of jury deliberations. The lone remaining defendant, John Crane Inc., was assessed 70 percent liability.

David and Paula Kelemen argued during trial before Judge Michael L. Stern that David Kelemen's mesothelioma was …