Calif. Jury Reaches Defense Verdict for John Crane, Oscar E. Erickson Inc. in Asbestos Case

PLEASANTON, Calif. –– A California jury has reached a defense verdict at the end of an asbestos trial involving John Crane Inc. and Oscar E. Erickson Inc., sources told HarrisMartin.

The California Superior Court for Alameda County jury reached the defense verdict on Oct. 7 after three hours of deliberations. Judge Julia Spain presided over the six-week trial.

Plaintiff James Harkin contended that he was exposed to asbestos in John Crane’s valve packing. He additionally alleged he incurred bystander exposure when he worked in the presence of Oscar E. Erickson employees who allegedly disturbed asbestos-containing materials at the Union Oil …