High Court Allows Plaintiffs to Bring Wrongful Death Claim Under Jones Act

SAN FRANCISCO -- California's highest court has affirmed a jury award to a seaman alleging asbestos exposure, finding that the plaintiffs maintained a right to bring a wrongful death claim under the Jones Act even though the alleged exposure occurred outside of California's territorial waters. Donaldson v. National Marine, No. S110301 (Calif. Sup. Ct.).

The March 14 order by the California Supreme Court affirmed a jury award of $1.6 million to the surviving members of a man who spent more than 40 years working on, or around, ships.

The plaintiffs alleged that Albert Pavolini was exposed to asbestos while working …