Jurors Award $3.4 Million in Colon Cancer Case

SAN FRANCISCO -- A jury has entered a $3.4 million verdict against asbestos defendant Certainteed Corp., finding the company liable for manufacturing defective cement pipe and failing to warn the plaintiffs regarding its dangers. Pierce v. Certainteed Corp., No. 408642 (Calif. Super. Ct., San Francisco Cty.).

On May 27, the San Francisco Superior Court jury found Certainteed 10 percent liable for plaintiff Ralph Pierce's injuries, which include colon cancer.

Pierce argued during the trial overseen by Judge Mary Wiss that he was exposed to asbestos-containing cement pipe manufactured by Certainteed, causing his colon cancer.

Pierce additionally contended that internal documents …