Jury Finds Defendants 10 Percent Liable for Portion of $1 Million Meso Verdict

LOS ANGELES - A California jury has found four defendants each 10 percent liable for $700,000 in non-economic damages awarded recently to a former carpenter and roustabout who contracted mesothelioma, allegedly as a result of exposure to asbestos. La Chapelle v. American Standard, Inc., et al., No. 303899 (Calif. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty.).

The Los Angeles County Superior Court jury returned its verdict May 5 against defendants Kelly-Moore Paint Co., Inc., Kaiser Gypsum Co., Inc., Bondex International and RPM, Inc. The jury also awarded plaintiffs George and Ruth La Chapelle $300,000 in economic damages, which the defendants will not …