{Kentucky}...An eight-week trial in New York has ended with Ronald Dummitt of Grayson, Kentucky being awarded $32 million, $16 million for past pain and suffering and $16 mllion for future pain and suffering. The verdict, returned on August 17th, found Crane Co. and Elliott Turbomachinery Co., Inc. failed to warn Dummitt about the dangers of the asbestos exposure that led to him developing mesothelioma. Dummitt served 28 years in the Navy, and rose through the ranks of the Navy, starting as a fireman, then boiler tender and eventually attained the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. His asbestos exposure period occurred during the 18 years he spent aboard various ships. The jury determined Dummitt developed pleural mesothelioma as a result of his exposure to asbestos while serving aboard seven U.S. Navy ships between 1960 and 1977. During that time, he worked in the boiler and fire rooms in each vessel and was exposed to asbestos while repairing Crane Co.-manufactured valves, which involved removing, and replacing asbestos-containing lagging pads, gaskets and packing on each of the ships. Dummitt also became exposed to asbestos while working with Elliott Turbomachinery Co., Inc.-manufactured deareating feed tanks on one of the ships. The jury apportioned 99 percent responsibility to Crane, and 1 percent to Elliott. Dummitt was represented by Eves Law Firm, which is located in Huntington, W.Va.
