Following a jury trial that lasted two and a half weeks, a Norfolk, Virginia man won a $4.39 million verdict on Sept. 5. John Koonce, 59, worked at Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Corp. from 1967 to 1971 with asbestos containing parts such as John Crane gaskets and packing materials. In 2006, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, and he later had a lung removed.

Compensatory Damages and Medical Expenses

After a day of deliberation, the jury awarded Koonce both compensatory damages ($4 million) and medical expenses ($390,000) from John Crane Inc., an Illinois-based company. Koonce’s asbestos attorney Bobby Hatten of Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein criticized Crane’s no-settlement policy, “Settlements are what reasonable companies do to resolve litigation…when that doesn’t happen, they get to face the jury.”

Hatten also noted that his firm spent two years on the case, with five lawyers assigned to the plaintiff’s issues. His firm will keep one-third of the award, or $1.46 million.

Defendant’s Appeal Is Possible

The defendant John Crane Inc. has the option to appeal the verdict; it has done so in similar cases in the past. Crane could also offer to not appeal in return for Koonce accepting a reduced award amount. A second party that Koonce named, Garlock Sealing Technologies, settled out of court.

(Source: www.dailypress.com)

Contact a Mesothelioma Lawyer

If your situation is similar to that of John Koonce, contact a mesothelioma attorney near you today.