Supreme Court Denies Defense Petition to Appeal $1 Million Elam Verdict

MT VERNON, Ill. - The Illinois Supreme Court has denied a petition for leave to appeal filed by the defendants in what continues to stand as the country's first and only welding fume plaintiff verdict, HarrisMartin is reporting. Elam v. Lincoln Electric, No. 102015 (Ill. Sup. Ct.).

The petition for leave to appeal the $1 million verdict was denied in a list order released by the high court moments ago.

Defendants Lincoln Electric, Hobart Brothers and Airco/The BOC Group appealed to the Supreme Court on Jan. 24, arguing that the Illinois 5th District Court of Appeals erred when it affirmed …