Appeals Court Affirms Verdict, Trial Court's 'Substantial Factor' Jury Instruction

SAN FRANCISCO - A California appeals court has upheld a verdict awarded to the family of a former brick mason who developed lung cancer as a result of exposure to asbestos at refineries throughout the San Francisco bay area. Grahn v. Exxon Mobil Corp., Nos. A098607 and A098818 (Calif. Ct. App., 1st Dist.).

In two separate opinions issued Sept. 17, the California First Circuit Court of Appeal rejected the appeals of defendants ExxonMobil Corp. and Dillingham Construction, both of which argued that the verdict was contrary to evidence presented during trial and that the trial court erroneously instructed the jury …