San Francisco Jurors Find for John Crane Inc. in Mesothelioma Case

SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco jurors have reached a verdict in favor of John Crane Inc. at the conclusion of a mesothelioma trial during which the defendant contested product identification and presented a chrysotile defense. Smithson v. Asbestos Defendants, et al., No. CGC-07-274112 (Calif. Super. Ct., San Francisco Cty.).

The San Francisco County Superior Court jury reached the verdict on May 26 after a trial presided over by Judge John K. Stewart.

The plaintiffs argued that Calvin Smithson's exposure to asbestos-containing gaskets and packing while working as a fireman and machinist's mate in the U.S. Navy caused him to develop …