Calif. Court Reverses $9.7 Million Verdict Against Crane Co., Cites O’Neil

LOS ANGELES –– A California appellate court has reversed a $9.7 million verdict, finding that the lone trial defendant could not be held liable for products it did not manufacture or sell. Brewer, et al. v. Crane Co., et al., No. B213096 (Calif. Ct. App., 2nd Dist., Div. 2).

In the Aug. 2 opinion, the California 2nd District Court of Appeal cited the state’s Supreme Court decision in O’Neil as grounds for reversing the verdict entered against Crane Co.

In their lawsuit, the plaintiffs argued that Chief Y.R. Brewer was exposed to asbestos while working as a machinist’s mate aboard …