BENZENE VERDICT: JURY AWARDS $21 MILLION TO TWO BROTHERS WHO WERE EXPOSED TO BENZENE AT TIRE FACTORY
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By
Poole Shaffery & Koegle, LLP
Eaves, et al. v. Ashland Inc., et al. (Calif Super Ct. Contra Costa Cty No. C16-00815): On March 29, 2019 a jury entered a $21 million verdict in favor of the families of brothers Gary and Randy Eaves and against lone-remaining defendant Union Oil. Plaintiffs alleged that Gary Eaves developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and that Randy Eaves developed myedodysplastic syndrome, both from exposure to benzene-containing solvents and vapors while working for various periods of time between the 1970s to the 2000s for Cooper Tire & Rubber Company in Arkansas. Plaintiffs argued that Union Oil failed to warn regarding the dangers of benzene, and that they were not provided with protective clothing or respirators. Plaintiffs were represented by Waters Kraus & Paul. Defendants were represented by Steptoe & Johnson.
