Calif. Jury Reaches Defense Verdict in Welding Fumes Trial

OAKLAND, Calif. - California Superior Court jurors concluded after nearly three weeks of trial testimony that welding products manufacturers were not liable for any neurological impairments suffered by long-time welder Elbert Thomas. Thomas v. A.O. Smith Corp. (Calif. Super. Ct., Alameda Cty.).

Alameda County jury delivered its verdict on Feb. 11 after approximately three and a half hours of deliberations. Judge Robert B. Freedman has scheduled a hearing for March 6 on pending motions and judgment.

On Jan. 7, Judge Freedman denied defense motions to exclude testimony by Elbert Thomas' medical experts, Dr. David Burns, Dr. Jonathan Rutchik, and …