Trial Activity

Jason Gilcrease, Twyla Missy Hyman, Dorothy Gilcrease, Individually and as Personal Representatives of the Heirs and Estate of Fred Gilcrease, Deceased, Plaintiffs v. Garlock, Inc. and Guardline, Inc., Defendants; Cause No. 2001-3623, in the County Court at Law No. 5 in El Paso County, Texas.

Partner Mitchell C. Chaney assisted in the defense of gasket manufacturer Garlock, Inc. during this wrongful death asbestos lawsuit. Trial began on April 12, 2004 and concluded with a verdict on April 29, 2004. The jury assessed 25% responsibility to Garlock. Because settling defendants had provided the remaining defendants, including Garlock, Inc., with approximately $4 million in settlement credits, the $2.1 million actual damages finding will result in no award for actual damages to Plaintiffs. There was a $1 million punitive award; Garlock will appeal the imposition of the award of punitive damages. The trial court has agreed with Garlock's arguments on entry of judgment and entered a take nothing judgment in the case. An appeal is pending.