John Crane Receives Defense Verdict in Mesothelioma Trial

OAKLAND, Calif. -- A California jury has reached a defense verdict in favor of John Crane, rejecting testimony that because particular exposures cannot be separated, each exposure was a substantial contributing factor. Halsema, et al. v. Allied Packing, et al., No. RG05-236661 (Calif. Super. Ct., Alameda Cty.).

The Alameda Superior Court jury reached the verdict on June 12, finding that lone defendant John Crane's packing and gasket products were not a substantial factor in causing the plaintiff's mesothelioma.

Thomas Halsema said that while working as a machinist's mate in the U.S. Navy for more than 10 years, he was exposed …