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Keywords

lawsuitdefendantdamagesnegligencetrialverdictwillcorporationpunitive damages
defendantdamagesverdictwillcorporationpunitive damages

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Mason v. Texaco, Inc., 948 F.2d 1546, 60 USLW 2388, 34 Fed. R. Evid. Serv. 1172, Prod.Liab.Rep. (CCH) P 12,989

Facts

Otis W. Mason, a United States Coast Guard instructor, was exposed to benzene while conducting tests using a kit sold by Gerin Corporation. He was first exposed in 1974 and continued to be exposed until 1977. During this time, Texaco provided minimal warnings about the health risks associated with benzene exposure. Mason was diagnosed with acute myelocytic leukemia in 1979 and died later that year. His widow, Diana Mason, filed a lawsuit against Texaco and other suppliers of benzene, alleging that their failure to adequately warn about the cancer risks led to her husband's illness and death.

Otis W. Mason, a United States Coast Guard instructor, was exposed to benzene while conducting tests using a kit sold by Gerin Corporation. He was first exposed in 1974 and continued to be exposed until 1977. During this time, Texaco provided minimal warnings about the health risks associated with benzene exposure. Mason was diagnosed with acute myelocytic leukemia in 1979 and died later that year.

Issue

Did Texaco fail to provide adequate warnings about the health risks of benzene exposure, and was the punitive damages award excessive?

Did Texaco fail to provide adequate warnings about the health risks of benzene exposure, and was the punitive damages award excessive?

Rule

A manufacturer has a duty to warn consumers of known dangers associated with its products. Punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant's conduct is found to be grossly negligent or willful.

A manufacturer has a duty to warn consumers of known dangers associated with its products. Punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant's conduct is found to be grossly negligent or willful.

Analysis

The court found that the jury had sufficient evidence to conclude that Texaco's warnings about benzene were inadequate and that the company either knew or should have known about the cancer risks associated with benzene exposure at the time of Mason's exposure. The jury's determination of fault was supported by the evidence presented during the trial, which indicated that Texaco's negligence directly contributed to Mason's leukemia.

The court found that the jury had sufficient evidence to conclude that Texaco's warnings about benzene were inadequate and that the company either knew or should have known about the cancer risks associated with benzene exposure at the time of Mason's exposure.

Conclusion

The court affirmed the jury's verdict in favor of Mason but remanded the case for a remittitur on the punitive damages, finding the amount awarded to be excessive.

The court affirmed the jury's verdict in favor of Mason but remanded the case for a remittitur on the punitive damages, finding the amount awarded to be excessive.

Who won?

Diana L. Mason prevailed in the case because the jury found that Texaco's failure to adequately warn about the dangers of benzene exposure was a direct cause of her husband's leukemia and death.

Diana L. Mason prevailed in the case because the jury found that Texaco's failure to adequately warn about the dangers of benzene exposure was a direct cause of her husband's leukemia and death.

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