Union Carbide Gets Verdict in Florida Asbestosis Case Filed by Alabama Man

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - A jury in Florida has returned a verdict for Union Carbide in a case filed by an Alabama man who claimed he developed asbestosis as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing joint compound. McConnell v. American Optical Corp., et al., No. 502003CA008264 (Fla. Cir. Ct., Palm Beach Cty.).

The West Palm Beach County Circuit Court jury returned the verdict on July 1 after just one and a half hours of deliberation. The jury found that Union Carbide was neither negligent nor strictly liable for causing plaintiff William McConnell's asbestosis.

McConnell sued Union Carbide in 2003, …