Appellate Court Upholds Finding of Fault with John Crane's Products

SAN FRANCISCO -- An appellate court has rejected an asbestos defendant's attempts to reverse a $5 million verdict, of which the defendant was assessed 1.95 percent. Jones v. John Crane, No. A105673, A106160 (Calif. Super. Ct., San Francisco Cty.).

In an Aug. 24 opinion, the California First Appellate District also found no fault in jury instructions relating to asbestos defendant John Crane's negligence.

Plaintiffs Edward and Elleree Jones contend that Edward's 27-year naval career exposed him to asbestos-containing products, causing his lung cancer. The Jones settled with all but two of the defendants before trial for an estimated $1.5 million. …