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SF Jury Delivers Verdict of $3.4 Million in Colon Cancer Asbestos Trial A San Francisco jury delivered a $3.4 million verdict in favor ofBrayton Purcell's client, Ralph Pierce, a 70-year old retired machine operator sufferingfrom colon cancer due to his on-thejob exposure to asbestos. San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) June 2, 2005 -- A San Francisco jury delivered a plaintiffADs verdict of over $3.4 million for Ralph Pierce, a 70ADyear old retired machine operator and supervisor suffering from colon cancer from his onADtheADjob exposure to asbestos products (Ralph Pierce v. Certainteed Corporation, San Francisco Superior Court, #408642). The amount was for economic and nonADeconomic damages as well as for past and future medical expenses. Judge Mary Wiss presided over the 5ADweek trial. Mr. Pierce was employed with the West Contra Costa County Wastewater District from 1972 through 1997. During this time, he worked with asbestosADcontaining cement pipe manufactured by the defendant, Certainteed Corporation. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2003. Internal company documents showed that Certainteed Corporation knew of the dangers of asbestos since before the midAD1960s when company representatives attended symposia presented by Dr. Irving Selikoff concerning the cancer risks posed by asbestos. Their knowledge preADdated Mr. PierceADs exposure to Certainteed asbestos products by more than seven yearsAD-plenty of time to warn people of the asbestos dangers. Despite this, Certainteed never gave warnings about asbestos until 1985, long after Mr. Pierce had suffered exposures. The jury found that Certainteed Corporation made defective cement pipe and failed to warn Mr. Pierce that it contained asbestos or was hazardous. It concluded that Mr. PierceADs exposure to the pipe was a cause of his colon cancer. ADWe are thankful that Mr. Pierce got the opportunity to present his case in court,AD said Gilbert L. Purcell, Mr. PierceADs attorney. ADThe verdict shows at least two thingsADthat trials work, and that access to courts is essential to achieve and maintain corporate accountability. Without the courts, companies can duck responsibility for their wrongful conduct. The legislative ADoneADsizeADfitsADallAD asbestos bailout bills that are presently in Congress work injustice in ways that juries can check, as was done in this case. The public, which is comprised of innocent individuals like Mr. Pierce, wins with access to courts.AD Mr. Pierce was represented at trial by asbestos lawyers Gilbert L. Purcell and Alex Remick ofBrayton Purcell. About Brayton Purcell For over 20 years, Brayton Purcell has helped clients protect their legal rights in the face of devastating losses such as illness, injuries, and harm to family members. The law firm enjoys a national reputation for the high quality of its personal injury and product liability work, particularly in the area of mesothelioma and other asbestos cancers. For more information, call 415-898-1555 or visit our firm web site at http://www.braytonlaw.com. For legal, legislative and medical news about mesothelioma and other asbestos cancers, see our specialty web sites, Asbestos Network at http://www.asbestosnetwork.com and Mesothelioma Network at http://www.mesotheliomasite.com PRWeb ebooks - Another online visibility tool from PRWeb ### Page 2/3 If you have any questions regarding information in these press releases please contact the company listed in the press release. Our complete disclaimer appears here - PRWeb ebooks - Another online visibility tool from PRWeb Contact Information Gilbert Purcell Brayton Purcell http://www.braytonlaw.com 415-898-1555 Online Web 2.0 Version You can read the online version of this press release here. Page 3/3 If you have any questions regarding information in these press releases please contact the company listed in the press release. Our complete disclaimer appears here - PRWeb ebooks - Another online visibility tool from PRWeb