The Virginia Supreme Court recently rejected an appeal in a mesothelioma lawsuit filed by the family of a man who passed away due to asbestos exposure.

The court rejected an appeal brought about by John Crane Inc., one of the defendants in the suit, and upheld the $3.4 million verdict.

Shipyard Exposure

Garland F. Jones Jr. was employed at the Newport News Shipbuilding during the 1960’s.

During his employment, Jones was allegedly exposed to asbestos fibers, and as a result, developed mesothelioma years later.

In 2005, Jones died from the cancer and his wife, Wanda T. Jones, worked hard to see justice served in light of her husband’s death.

Defendant Tries to Appeal

Just after Jones’ death, the Newport New jury concluded that his family deserved $10.4 million in the wrongful death case that was filed against the three companies that made equipment-containing asbestos.

John Crane appealed the $10 million while the other companies, Johns Manville Corp., and Garlock Sealing Technologies settled for less before the case continued further.

The jury then concluded that John Crane Inc. was responsible for paying the Jones family $3.4 million.

Family Emerges Victorious

The $3.4 million settlement is said to be the largest of its kind in Virginia.

However, Wanda, who worked so hard on her husband’s behalf, died of cancer before the verdict was reached.

The rest of the Jones family took over for their diseased parents.
 
“It is a bittersweet day for our family,” said daughter, Ansley, “It was important to our mother to receive justice in this case. She worked very tirelessly to make it happen and didn’t allow such a big company to intimidate her.”

(Source: DailyPress.com)

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