Calif. Jury Awards $13 Million in Bystander Asbestos Case Against Hillshire

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. –– California jurors have awarded $13 million to the family of a man who was allegedly exposed to asbestos in insulation used at a sugar refinery located a few hundred yards from the decedent’s home.

The California Superior Court for Alameda County jury reached the verdict on Aug. 16 after a three-week trial and four hours of deliberations.

The plaintiffs asserted the claims on behalf of Mark Lopez, who was born, and grew up, in housing owned by defendant The Hillshire Brands Co. in the town of Betteravia, Calif.

According to the plaintiffs, employees of Hillshire’s …