California Jury Awards Navy Admiral $2.6M in Asbestos Zoom Trial

In September, a California jury awarded a retired Navy admiral and his wife over $2.5M in an asbestos trial using Zoom. This three month long virtual trial was the third of its kind regarding asbestos product liability claims.

The plaintiff, an 82-year old retired Navy admiral, claimed that Metalclad Insulation, the defendant whose products exposed him, was liable for his mesothelioma diagnosis. Despite Metalclad’s continuous arguments of unfair COVID-19 restrictions and juror irregularities, the admiral still came out with a win.

In the 1970s, the admiral had been exposed to asbestos on several navy ships during the installation and removal of Metalclad-supplied insulation. His attorney claimed that the boxes the insulation came in were lacking adequate warning labels. People working in the navy yard were also not warned that they should be wearing any protective gear while handling the material. This warranted an increased hazard of inhaling dangerous asbestos fibers. 

Metalclad Insulation manufactured insulation with asbestos for the majority of navy ships. Since then, the now defunct company has encountered numerous lawsuits, including another virtual trial that began on September 21st. 

This case is among many asbestos cases throughout the country trying to move ahead among COVID-19 restrictions. Many mesothelioma victims and their loved ones are waiting to receive the justice they deserve. 

Unfortunately, United States veterans make up the largest group of people diagnosed with mesothelioma today. Moreover, Navy veterans have the highest risk out of any other military branch of developing this cancer. At Bullock Campbell Bullock and Harris, we have dedicated countless years serving veterans who suffer from what could have been a preventable cancer. 

If you or your loved one served in the military and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our lawyers are ready to help fight your case. Fill out our free case evaluation form to see what compensation options are available for you.