Cook v. Avon Products, et al.

Summary

In this asbestos case, plaintiff contends she developed peritoneal mesothelioma from exposure to chrysotile asbestos in brake dust created when family members used defendant's brake grinder. Plaintiff claims defendant failed to properly warn of the dangers of brake dust created by the use of its product.

Defendant, the maker of the brake grinder and the only defendant at trial, claims chrysotile asbestos does not cause peritoneal mesothelioma. It maintains plaintiff may have developed mesothelioma through genetic factors or other natural causes. It also contends its conduct, including any warnings and testing, was adequate for the time frame involved.

Click here for a playlist focused on causation, a central issue in this trial.

Outcome

For the plaintiff: $18 million, with,
15% of fault assigned to defendant Hennessy Industries, rendering it liable for $2.7 million of the award.
85% of fault assigned to entities that were not defendants at trial.