Jurors Award $6.5 Million in U.S. Navy Case Involving Electrical Parts

PHILADELPHIA -- A Pennsylvania jury has awarded $6.5 million in a case against Rockwell Automation Inc., in what is believed to be the first asbestos-related verdict entered against the company, which was sued as a successor defendant. Lanpher v. Alfla Laval Inc., et al., No. 003698 (Pa. Ct. Comm. Pls., Philadelphia Cty.).

Judge Sheldon C. Jelin of the Court of Common Pleas for Philadelphia County presided over the five-week trial. Jurors reached the Phase I, damages, verdict on Feb. 19 and the Phase II, liability, verdict on March 5.

The jury broke down the award into $2 million to …