June 25, 1999

A Jefferson County jury returned a verdict in favor of an insulation company after an electrician alleged he had suffered from asbestos-related diseases and an increased risk of cancer due to his exposure to asbestos products.  The Plaintiff alleged the company’s products were in a defective condition and were unreasonably dangerous at the time of exposure.  The defense pointed out that Owens-Corning acted as a reasonable manufacturer, discontinuing the manufacture of asbestos once it was learned to be unsafe.  Furthermore, the defense successfully argued that any injury suffered by the Plaintiff must be considered in light of (1) the Plaintiff’s inveterate smoking habits and (2) the 18 other manufacturers of asbestos products noted in the instructions that didn’t make it to trial.