Defense Verdict for Kelly-Moore Paints in Los Angeles Living Mesothelioma Case

August 9, 2016 (Los Angeles, CA) – Hawkins Parnell & Young secured a defense verdict in California for Kelly-Moore Paints. The California Superior Court for Los Angeles County jury reached a defense verdict after deliberating for less than two days and never reaching the questions of causation or damages. Judge Robert E. Willett of the Torrance Courthouse presided over the four-week trial.

Plaintiff, Christine Pass (63 years old), alleged that she worked with and around several brands of drywall and joint compound products during the 1970s in the San Diego, California area. Mrs. Pass was diagnosed with mesothelioma in March 2015 and testified live at trial. Plaintiffs presented more than 15 witnesses at trial, including three expert witnesses, two plaintiffs, four coworkers and many other fact witnesses. In closing arguments, Plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury to award $10 million, plus approximately $1 million in economic damages.   

Plaintiff’s expert witnesses were Barry Horn, M.D.; John Templin, CIH; and Allan Smith, M.D., Ph.D. Testifying on behalf of the defendants were James Crapo, M.D.; and Edward Van der Bogert.

The plaintiff was represented by Anthony E. Vieira and Campbell W. Filmer of the Law Offices of Anthony E. Vieira, who associated in as co-counsel with Kaiser Gornick, LLP.

Other defendants remaining at the verdict included Union Carbide Corporation and Elementis. 

Kelly-Moore Paints was represented in trial by Claire C. Weglarz and Kimberly Solomon of HPY’s Los Angeles, and Austin offices, respectively. The trial team was assisted by Bartek Rejch.

Christine Louise Pass and Joseph David Pass v. Amcord, Inc. f/k/a Riverside Cement Company, et al., Case No. BC587738 (Calif. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty.)