Court Affirms $500,000 Verdict, Strikes Down Sanctions Rule for Non-Settling Parties

PHILADELPHIA - The Pennsylvania Superior Court has affirmed a $500,000 verdict awarded to a man the defendant said didn't actually suffer from an asbestos-related illness. Stewart v. John Crane, Inc., No. 1345 EDA 2001 (Pa. Super. Ct.).

In an opinion issued Aug. 13, the court upheld the verdict awarded in Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, finding that the court made no error in responding to jurors' questions about the manner in which the plaintiff was allegedly exposed to asbestos and that the plaintiff's expert was qualified to testify with regard to the exposure.

The state Superior Court also reversed an …