Jury Awards $27.5 Million in Case Against John Crane

HOUSTON -- A Texas jury has awarded $27.5 million to the family of a former parts handler, concluding that the decedent's exposure to asbestos in John Crane's products was a substantial cause of his illness. Johnston, et al. v. Alfa Laval Inc., et al., No. 2008-36868 (Texas 11th Jud. Dist. Ct., Harris Cty.).

The Texas 11th Judicial District Court for Harris County jury reached the verdict Sept. 23 after eight hours of deliberations. Sources told HarrisMartin that jurors allocated 15 percent liability to John Crane, who was the lone remaining defendant in the case at the time of the verdict. …