Family of U.S. Navy Veteran Awarded $3.9 Million

LOS ANGELES -- A California jury has awarded $3.9 million to the surviving family members of a U.S. Navy veteran after deliberating the claims for more than five days. Norris, et al. v. Crane Co., No. BC340413 (Calif. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty.).

The Los Angeles County Superior Court jury reached the verdict on Sept. 15, finding lone defendant Crane Co., responsible for Joseph Henson Norris' mesothelioma.

Norris' widow and three daughters asserted that his work as a gunner's mate in the U.S. Navy for two years exposed him to Crane Co.'s asbestos-containing valves, gaskets and packing materials.