$4.39 Million Awarded to Virginia Plaintiff in Case Involving John Crane

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- A Virginia jury has awarded $4.39 million at the conclusion of a mesothelioma case involving claims against John Crane. Koonce v. John Crane, No CL0601359P-03 (Va. 7th Jud. Cir. Ct., Newport News Cty.).

According to a docket entry in the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court for Newport News, the judgment was entered in favor of plaintiff John O. Koonce on Sept. 5 after a two-and-a-half week trial.

Koonce, a former employee of Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Corp., contended that he was exposed to John Crane's asbestos-containing gaskets and packing while repairing ships, causing him to develop mesothelioma, …