Fla. Jury Awards $20.6 Million in Case Against Union Carbide

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Jurors have awarded more than $20 million in a Florida case involving a plaintiff who claimed his mesothelioma was caused by exposure to asbestos-containing joint compound during a four-month-long home remodeling project in college. Garrison, et al., v. Union Carbide, No. 10-12353 (Fla. 17th Jud. Cir. Ct., Broward Cty.).

The Florida 17th Judicial Circuit Court for Broward County jury reached the verdict on Sept. 16 after less than two hours of deliberations. The jury found lone remaining defendant Union Carbide 80 percent liable for plaintiff Charles Garrison's injury.

Judge John J. Murphy III presided over the …