Shipowner Defendants Hit with $3.9 Million Verdict in Ohio

CLEVELAND –– An Ohio jury has awarded a former merchant Marine $3.9 million, allocating liability amongst the remaining shipowner defendants.

Judge Harry A. Hanna of the Ohio Court of Common Pleas for Cuyahoga County presided over the trial, which ended in a verdict on Sept. 7.

The claims were asserted on behalf of William LaParl, who was allegedly exposed to asbestos while serving in the Merchant Marines for 35 years. While operating vessels on the Great Lakes, LaParl specifically alleged that he was exposed to asbestos in the engine rooms.

LaParl was diagnosed with mesothelioma in July 2006 …