Verdict (California, 2002)
$5.1M
The Plaintiff, age 51, worked as a merchant seaman on the Defendant’s vessels, hauling crude oil from Alaska to Southern California. He was exposed to benzene while assisting with the loading and unloading of crude oil and while cleaning the...
The Plaintiff, age 51, worked as a merchant seaman on the Defendant’s vessels, hauling crude oil from Alaska to Southern California. He was exposed to benzene while assisting with the loading and unloading of crude oil and while cleaning the tanks, bilges, engines, and below-deck spaces. After seven years working for the Defendant, he was diagnosed with Stage III bladder cancer. The Plaintiff underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple surgeries. The Defendant argued that the Plaintiff’s minor smoking history was the cause of his illness. The award included $1,270,000 in economic damages and $3,840,000 in non-economic damages. The jury attributed 15 percent fault to the Plaintiff; the net award was reduced accordingly. (Gregory v. SeaRiver Marine, Inc.)