Paulus v. Crane Co.

Opinion

CROSKEY, J.

Plaintiffs’ decedent, William Paulus, died from mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. After trial, a jury found defendant and respondent Crane Co. 10 percent responsible for plaintiffs’ damages. Crane appeals, arguing (1) plaintiffs failed to introduce expert testimony that Crane’s asbestos alone (as opposed to acting in combination with others’ asbestos) constituted a substantial factor in the development of decedent’s mesothelioma and (2) the trial court erred in not reducing the damages awarded against it to account for settlements plaintiffs could obtain from other…