FEATURED ASBESTOS VERDICT: Booker v. Imersys

(Alamada Super Ct. No. RG15796166): On December 11, 2017, a jury reached a $22,170,000 verdict on behalf of Plaintiff Cheryl Booker, and against defendants Vanderbilt Minerals LLC and Imerys Talc America. Plaintiff alleged that decedent Richard Booker, a decades-long employee in the paint-manufacturing industry, was occupationally exposed to asbestos contaminated talc products that were marketed specifically to his paint, cosmetic and ceramics industry. Plaintiffs further alleged that defendants failed to disclose that their products contained asbestos, and that they affirmatively assured their clients to the contrary. Plaintiff was represented by Joseph Satterly of Kazan Mclain, Satterly & Greenwood. Defendant Vanderbilt was represented by Dehay & Elliston LLP. Defendant Imerys was represented by Alston & Bird LLP.