Jury Finds for Caterpillar in Asbestos-Containing Marine Engine Case

SEATTLE -- A Washington state jury recently found for Caterpillar in a pleural mesothelioma trial, rejecting the plaintiff's contention that asbestos was released from marine engines in amounts sufficient to cause the disease. Anderson v. Caterpillar, No. 05-2-04551-SEA (Wash. Super. Ct., King Cty.).

The Nov. 2 verdict was reached by the King County Superior Court after a trial overseen by Judge John P. Erlick.

Ruby J. Anderson asserted the claims on behalf of Kenneth L. Anderson, who she claims was exposed to asbestos while employed at a shipyard for nearly 40 years. Ruby Anderson said this exposure cause Kenneth's pleural …