Jury Finds for Two of Three Defendants in Mass Asbestos Trial

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - A state court jury in Virginia has found in favor of two of the three defendants left in a mass asbestos trial involving the claims of nearly 1,300 Newport News shipbuilders and dock workers. In re All Asbestos Cases, No. CL 99-20000-00 (Va. Cir. Ct., Newport News Cty.).

The jury returned its verdict Dec. 16 following an eight-week consolidated trial, which began in October and was presided over by Judge Robert W. Curran.

After three hours of deliberation, the jury found defendants Garlock Sealing Technologies and SB Decking not liable for the injuries of the …