Ill. Court Reverses Order Denying Motion for Directed Verdict, Says Pleural Plaques, Interstitial Fibrosis Not Physical Impairment

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –– An Illinois appellate court has reversed a jury verdict entered in favor of an asbestos plaintiff, ruling that pleural plaques and interstitial fibrosis had not physically impaired or caused detriment to the plaintiff.

In the June 20 ruling, the Illinois Court of Appeals for the Fourth District reversed the trial court’s order denying the defendant’s motion for a directed verdict, finding that the plaintiff had only abnormal X-rays, but no clinical symptoms.

“Because plaintiffs presented no evidence of ‘physical harm’ –– an essential element of their cause of action –– the trial court should have granted …