Jury Rejects Plaintiffs' Mesothelioma Claims, Finds for Asbestos Defendant

PHILADELPHIA -- A Pennsylvania jury reached a defense verdict in a disputed mesothelioma case, finding that the plaintiff failed to sufficiently prove that his mesothelioma was caused by asbestos. Westley, et al. v. 84 Lumber, et al., No. 050602677 (Pa. Ct. Comm. Pls., Philadelphia Cty.).

The Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas reached the verdict on May 10 in the two-week bifurcated trial, and never addressed the issue of whether exposure to Scappa Dryer Felts caused the mesothelioma. Sources indicated that Scappa Dryer Felt was the lone remaining defendant.

Plaintiff Joseph Westley alleged during trial that his work for approximately …