John Crane, Inc. v. Highsmith

Adams, Judge.

James P. Highsmith filed a negligence and strict liability action against John Crane, Inc. and others1 based on allegations that he had contracted mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos dust from products manufactured by the defendants. Highsmith died approximately six months after the complaint was filed, and his wife Lois Highsmith, who was also the executrix of his estate, was substituted as the plaintiff and allowed to file an amended complaint adding claims for wrongful death and loss of consortium. The jury returned a verdict in favor of Highsmith, and the trial…