Jury Awards $2.8 Million at Conclusion of Asbestosis Trial

SAN FRANCISCO -- A jury has awarded more than $2.8 million to a couple that claimed a lifetime of work in the military, automotive repair, and carpentry led to the development of terminal asbestosis. Phelps, et al. v. Hamilton Materials, et al., No. 04-433734 (Calif. Super. Ct., San Francisco Cty.).

The San Francisco Superior Court jury delivered the verdict against Hamilton Materials, Inc. on Oct. 4 after three weeks of trial before Judge James McBride.

Plaintiffs Harold and Neva Phelps claimed that Harold was exposed to asbestos while enlisted in both the U.S. Navy and U. S. Army, working as …