Jury Awards More than $11 Million to Couple Claiming Asbestosis

SAN FRANCISCO - A California Superior Court jury has awarded more than $11 million to a couple who said maintenance mechanic work preformed in the U.S. Navy led to the development of severe asbestos pleural disease and asbestosis. Garza v. Asbestos Corp. Ltd. No. 438144 (Calif. Sup. Ct., San Francisco Cty.).

On July 7, the San Francisco Superior Court jury awarded Joseph Garza $1,178,294 in compensatory damages, finding against lone defendant Asbestos Corp. Ltd. His wife, Mary, was awarded $400,000 for loss of consortium. Five days later, the jury awarded the couple an additional $10,000,000 in punitive damages.

Trial …