Premises Owner Gets Defense Verdict in Its First Asbestos Trial

CHICAGO - A jury in Illinois has returned a verdict for an electric utility accused of failing to warn an iron worker of hazards associated with exposure to asbestos insulation used during the construction of the company's power plants. DeJohn v. Commonwealth Edison, No. 98L13222 (Ill. Cir. Ct., Cook Cty.).

The Cook County Circuit Court jury returned the verdict July 14, after determining that premises defendant Commonwealth Edison's alleged negligence was not a cause of plaintiff Dante DeJohn's mesothelioma.

DeJohn worked as an ornamental ironworker for Mid-City Architectural Iron performing various tasks throughout Illinois, including the construction and maintenance of …