Jury Awards $25.7 Million in Household Exposure Case

DALLAS -- A Texas jury has awarded $25.7 million to a woman who claimed she developed mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos while washing her husband's work clothes. Behringer, et al. v. Alcoa Inc., et al., No. 04-0176-H (Texas 160th Dist. Ct., Dallas Cty.).

The 160th District Court for Dallas County jury reached the verdict on Oct. 28, assessing 100 percent liability to defendant Alcoa Inc., sources indicated. Judge Joseph M. Cox oversaw the trial.

Barbara Behringer claimed that she was exposed to asbestos while washing the clothes of her first husband John Alford. Alford was employed as …