$868,000 Awarded to Former Drywall Taper in California Case

SAN FRANCISCO -- A former drywall taper's family has been awarded $868,000 after a jury found that lone remaining defendant Rich-Tex, Inc. was liable for the decedent's asbestos-related pleural disease, but assessed that liability at under five percent. Ivance, et al., v. Rich-Tex Inc., No. 419435 (Calif. Super. Ct., San Francisco Cty.).

The San Francisco Superior Court jury reached the verdict on March 14 after a trial overseen by Judge Julie Tang.

Douglas Ivance's family asserted the claims, contending that Douglas' 47-year career as a drywall taper exposed him to asbestos-containing joint compound, spray texture and acoustical ceiling spray. …