Court Rejects Challenges to Causation, Enters $3.4 Million Verdict

WILMINGTON, Del. -- A Delaware trial court has rejected attempts to overturn a $3.4 million verdict against Texaco Inc., ruling that even if some of the defendant's challenges to causation were not procedurally barred, they fail. Gates, et al. v. Texaco Inc., et al., No. 05C-05-043 RRC (Del. Super. Ct., New Castle Cty.).

In the March 20 decision, the Delaware Superior Court for New Castle County also found that statements made by plaintiff's counsel during closing arguments were not prejudicial.

In October 2007, a jury awarded $3,426,166.28 to the wife of a former millwright who argued that her deceased husband's …