Date: 09-22-2012

Case Style: Delores A. LaParl, Personal Representative of the Estate of William S. LaParl, deceased v. Columbia Trans. Co., et al.

Case Number: CV-09-667485

Judge: Henry Hanna

Court: Court of Common Pleas, Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Plaintiff's Attorney: John Herrick, Motley Rice, LLA and Jaquest Admiralty Law Firm, P.C.

Defendant's Attorney:

Description: Delores A. LaParl, Personal Representative of the Estate of William S. LaParl, deceased sued Oglebay Norton Company, Columbia Transport Co., Interlake Steamship Company and Pringle Transit Company on products liability theories claiming that Mr. LaParl developed mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos during his 35-year career as a merchant marine. His condition was diagnosed in July 2006 and died in August at age 78.

The defenses asserted by the Defendants are not available.

Outcome: Plaintiff's verdict for $3.9 million.

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

Comments: Editor's Note: Each year, an estimated 3,000 people in the United States and Canada are diagnosed with mesothelioma. These victims are often service members, workers, veterans and family members who were exposed to asbestos in hazardous occupational environments or through household exposure. To date, there is still no known cure for mesothelioma, and the average survival length following diagnosis is fewer than 12 months.