Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation v. Jacqueline R. Watson, Administratrix of the Estate of Wilbert G. Watson, Deceased, 243 Va. 128

Summary

A worker installed asebestos products made by the manufacturer in ships. The worker was diagnosed and later died of a rare form of cancer associated with asbestos. The worker brought an action against the manufacturer. A jury awarded the worker compensatory and punitive damages. The manufacturer appealed, contending that the trial court erred in admitting certain evidence and in refusing to use proposed jury instructions. The manufacturer further alleged that the evidence did not support the jury's verdict. The court found that the proposed jury instructions were improper. The court held that the evidence, including a summary of the workers' compensation claims, was admissible. The summary showed that the manufacturer had notice that insulators were at risk of contracting lung diseases from the use of asbestos insulation products. The court also held that the jury could have concluded that the manufacturer's acts constituted willful or wanton conduct evincing a conscious disregard of ...