$25 Million Verdict Granted In Newport News Asbestos Case

A Newport News jury recently handed down one of the largest verdicts in a personal injury case in Virginia’s legal history. On March 17, 2011, Rubert Minton of Isle of Wright county, won a $25 million dollar verdict in his personal injury case against Exxon.

Minton worked as a repair supervisor on commercial vessels at Newport News Shipbuilding from 1966 through 1977. During his term of employment, Minton worked on and repaired more than 17 oil tankers that were owned by Exxon. Minton was later diagnosed with mesothelioma. His doctors reported that his condition was brought about by inhaling asbestos fibers in the shipyard.

News sources that reported on the trial stated that Minton has a life expectancy of approximately two years and will face a painful death as a result of his condition. At the end of the three-week trial, Minton was awarded $12 million in compensatory damages, $430,961 for medical expenses and $12.5 million in punitive damages, an amount that is more than twice as much as Minton requested in his lawsuit complaint.