Calif. Jury Awards $22.17 Million at Conclusion of Asbestos Talc Trial Against Imerys Talc, Vanderbilt Minerals

SAN FRANCISCO –– A California jury has awarded a total of $22.17 million at the conclusion of an asbestos talc trial, finding Imerys Talc America and Vanderbilt Minerals liable for the decedent’s development of mesothelioma.

The California Superior Court for Alameda County jury added $4.6 million in punitive damages to its initial award of 17.57 million on Dec. 11 after its finding of malice on the part of both defendants triggered a deliberation on punitive damages.

Plaintiff Richard Booker filed the underlying complaint, contending that his work at Walter N. Boysen Paint Co. and Dexter-Midland Chemical Co. caused …