Jurors Award $4.5 Million; John Crane Assessed 14.3 Percent Liability

PHILADELPHIA -- John Crane has been found liable for the mesothelioma development in a former U.S. Navy mechanic at the conclusion of a reverse-bifurcated trial in Philadelphia, sources told HarrisMartin. Koeberle v. John Crane Inc., No. 000887 (Pa. Ct. Comm. Pls., Philadelphia Cty.).

Judge Sheldon C. Jelin of the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas for Philadelphia County presided over the trial, which was split up into two phases over a total of 12 days.

John Koeberle asserted the claims, contending that his service in the U.S. Navy for nearly 10 years required him to work with diesel engines, valves, …