Va. Supreme Court Vacates Non-Pecuniary Damage Award Against John Crane

RICHMOND, Va. - A Virginia trial court erred when it allowed a jury to award non-pecuniary damages to the widow of a former seaman who developed mesothelioma after years of exposure to asbestos aboard Naval vessels, the state's highest court has ruled. John Crane Inc. v. Hardick, No. 101909 (Va. Sup. Ct.).

In a March 2 decision, the Virginia Supreme Court held that such an award is not available in wrongful death cases involving seamen and vacated a portion of the jury's verdict awarded to Margaret Diane Hardick for her husband's pain and suffering and Hardick's loss of society.

Hardick …