Calif. Jury Reaches Defense Verdict in Asbestos Case Against CalPortland

LOS ANGELES –– A California jury has reached a defense verdict for CalPortland Co. at the conclusion of an asbestos trial, rejecting claims that the plaintiff’s mesothelioma was caused by exposure to asbestos in the defendant’s gun plastic cement product.

The California Superior Court for Los Angeles County jury reached the verdict on Oct. 26. Judge Norman P. Tarle presided over the trial.

The plaintiffs contended that Tommy Tate Sr. was exposed to asbestos-containing products during his service in the U.S. Navy, and later while working in construction and performing automotive repairs on brakes.

The plaintiffs specifically said that Tate …