Miss. Supreme Court Reverses JNOV Order That Threw Out $3.8 Million Asbestos Verdict

JACKSON, Miss. –– The Mississippi Supreme Court has reversed a trial court order granting a defense motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, concluding that the lower court erred when it applied the “frequency, regularity, proximity” asbestos causation standard outside of a summary judgment or directed verdict situation.

In the Dec. 12 order, the high court reversed the trial court’s decision –– which threw out a $3.8 million asbestos verdict –– and remanded the case for reconsideration on other contested issues.

The plaintiffs asserted the claims on behalf of Larry Smith, who was allegedly exposed to asbestos-containing drilling additives while …