Decade-Old Asbestos Case Ends with Defense Verdict After $1 Million Damage Award

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia jury has found for the defendant in a case involving a former sheet metal mechanic who developed asbestosis and was awarded more than $1 million in the first phase of his trial held some seven years ago. Lonasco v. A-Best Products Co., No. 1424 Sept. Term, 1991 (Pa. Comm. Pls., Philadelphia Cty.)

The Philadelphia County Common Pleas Court jury said Oct. 24 that defendant Garlock Inc. is not liable for the $1,034,000 awarded to Raymond Lonasco after the damages phase of his reverse bifurcated trial, which concluded in 1995.

After the first phase, Garlock moved …