Jury Enters Verdict in Case Involving Copeland Refrigeration Equipment

SAN FRANCISCO -- A California jury has awarded $5.15 million in what is believed to be the first verdict in the country involving Copeland Corp. refrigeration equipment. Morrison, et al. v. Copeland Corp., et al., No. 432013 (Calif. Super. Ct., San Francisco Cty.).

Sources said that the March 8 verdict rendered by the California Superior Court for San Francisco County will be reduced to $1.5 million after settlement offsets.

Plaintiffs James and Sandra Morrison contended during trial that James' exposure to asbestos while working as a HVAC mechanic caused his lung cancer. The plaintiffs said during the five-week trial that …