Court Grants Motions for Judgment Notwithstanding Verdict

LOS ANGELES -- A California trial court has granted defense motions for judgment notwithstanding the verdict in an asbestos case, saying the state's recent adoption of the sophisticated user doctrine precludes the jury's $9.9 million award. Rollin, et al. v. American Standard, et al., No. BC372275 (Calif. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty.).

In the June 9 ruling, Judge Richard L. Fruin Jr. of the Los Angeles County Superior Court held that because the asbestos plaintiff's employer knew of asbestos hazards during the time period that the alleged exposure occurred, his claims were premised on an alleged failure to warn and …