Miss. Court Reverses $500,000 Punitive Damages Award in Asbestos Drilling Mud Case

JACKSON, Miss. –– Mississippi’s highest court has reversed a $500,000 punitive damage award in an asbestos-containing drilling mud suit, finding that the trial court engaged in an “unnecessary” and “inappropriate” discussion with jurors regarding their compensatory damage award shortly before punitive damage deliberations began.

On June 5, the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled that the trial court’s comments could have potentially influenced the jury and, as such, a new trial on punitive damages only is warranted.

The plaintiffs asserted the claims on behalf of Russell E. Nix Sr., contending that the decedent was exposed to asbestos-containing products while working for WellTech, …