Owens-Illinois, Inc. is a former manufacturer of KAYLO asbestos-containing thermal pipe insulation. An Oakland, California jury found that Owens-Illinois acted with malice, oppression or fraud when it manufactured a defective product, failed to adequately warn consumers, and concealed the health hazards of its KAYLO products. (Rose-Marie and Martin Grigg v. Owens-Illinois, Alameda County Superior Court Case No. RG12629580).
Mrs. Grigg’s former husband was an insulator for a company that used Owens-Illinois, Inc. Kaylo brand insulation products from 1950-1958. Mrs. Grigg was exposed to asbestos in the course of shaking out and washing her former husband’s work clothing.
Evidence introduced during trial showed that Owens-Illinois, Inc. knew that asbestos exposure could cause death as early as the 1930s and that test results on Kaylo showed that exposure to the asbestos in the product could cause fatal disease.
Mesothelioma Verdict
The jury awarded Mrs. Grigg $12,000,000 in damages for her pain and suffering, Mr. Grigg $4,000,000 in damages for his loss of consortium, and $342,500 in economic damages. The jury also imposed an $11,000,000 punitive damages verdict against Owens-Illinois, Inc.
Mrs. and Mr. Grigg were represented by Kazan Law attorneys Joseph D. Satterley, Andrea Huston, Ryan Harris and Michael Stewart.