Daily Journal 
VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS 
CONSUMER LAW PRODUCT LIABILITY 
Asbestos Exposure 
VERDICT: Defense. 
CASE/NUMBER: Estate of Bobby Lee Herring, Sr. v. Ford Motor Company / BC383867. 
COURT/DATE: Los Angeles 
Superior Central / July 29, 2010
JUDGE: Hon. Abraham Kahn. 
ATTORNEYS: Plaintiff -Benno B. Ashrafi, Jonathan George, Troyce Wolfe (Waters & Kraus, EI Segundo). 

Defendant - Alexander G. Calfo, Patricia Ball, Charles G. Kabele (Yukevich, Calfo & Cavanaugh, Los Angeles). 
FACTS: Bobbie Herring worked as a body man/mechanic for over 20 years at several independent dealerships and auto body shops, 
including Ford dealerships. After Herring was diagnosed with mesothelioma, he filed suit against Ford. After his death, Herring's 
family continued the suit, alleging wrongful death. 

PLAINTIFFS CONTENTIONS: The Herring family alleged that Herring suffered from malignant mesothelioma due to his work with 
Asbestos-containing Ford brakes, gaskets, and clutches. The Herring family contended that Herring was not exposed to any alternative 
sources of asbestos other than friction car parts. 

DEFENDANTS CONTENTIONS: Ford contended that automobile mechanics are not at increased risk of mesothelioma and that Herring's alleged exposure to asbestos in automotive friction products did not cause or contribute to his disease. The defense contended that Herring's mesothelioma was caused by his work as a pipe fitter or was idiopathic. 

DAMAGES: The Herring family sought wrongful death and punitive damages. 
RESULT: The jury rendered a verdict for the defense.