The decedent in this case had been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Over a period of 15 years, the decedent had worked on seven home remodeling projects, during which he allegedly used asbestos-containing joint compounds manufactured by the firm's client and several other companies. The plaintiffs--the decedent's wife and two adult children--alleged that the decedent developed his disease after being exposed to those joint compounds during the remodeling projects. The plaintiffs sought damages from several manufactures which manufactured products they claimed the decedent had worked with.

As is typical in asbestos suits, many of the defendants that were originally involved settled outside of court. The firm's client was one of two defendants who remained as the four-week-long trial reached verdict. The firm contended that the decedent's use of their client's product was not a substantial contributing factor in causing his illness, and after less than a day of deliberations, the jury agreed.

This verdict was Nichols' fifth and Nicoletti's third consecutive defense verdict in an asbestos jury trial.

Related Practice Areas: Asbestos Litigation; Trial Practice
Related Attorneys: Stephen M. Nichols; Heather Nicoletti