An Orleans Parish Civil District Court jury ruled last week that thee companies are liable for $7.55 million for exposing a former employee with asbestos.
Slidell resident Thomas Kenney sued Rexam Beverage Can Co., John Crane Inc and Haveg Inc, claiming that he was exposed to asbestos while working in a canning factory and a refinery in the 60s and 70s.
Kenney has since been diagnosed with incurable malignant mesothelioma.
New Orleans attorneys Mickey Landry and Philip Hoffman represented Kenney along with the Dallas-based firm of DeLuca and Nemeroff.
The original lawsuit was filed in January and named more than three dozen defendants including Goodyear Tire Rubber Co., Reilly Benton Co. and Eagle Inc.
The Orleans jury decision found just John Crane, Rexam and Haveg liable for the asbestos exposure.
Rexam was liable for the dangerous levels of asbestos, which was found at its canning factory in New Orleans' Mid-City neighborhood. The building has since been refurbished and converted into an apartment complex.
John Crane was found liable for manufacturing asbestos-containing pipes, which were used in the refinery where Kenney worked.
Orleans Parish Judge Kern Reese presided over this case.
Orleans Parish Case 2011-00636
Man awarded $7.55 million in Orleans Parish asbestos suit
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