PWHD Wins $3.45 Million Verdict for Mesothelioma Victim’s Family in Newport News, VA 

A Newport News, VA jury recently awarded $3.45 million in a mesothelioma asbestos case to the family of James Katcham. James died from mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure at work.

This October 2024 victory sends a clear message:Even decades later, companies that knowingly sold dangerous products without warnings will be held accountable.

PWHD represented the Katcham family against John Crane Inc. This company sold deadly asbestos products without warnings for decades.

Company Knew the Dangers of Asbestos Yet Failed to Warn Workers 

The evidence told a disturbing story. John Crane knew asbestos caused serious disease as early as the 1930s. Yet they never warned workers like James Katcham, who installed their asbestos gaskets at a DuPont plant from 1961 to 1979.

The jury found John Crane breached its duty to warn and protect workers who used its products.They sold dangerous products without telling anyone about the risks.

Asbestos Exposure Matters — Even if it Was Minimal 

Many people believe that short-term asbestos contact can’t hurt them, but the medical evidence in this case proves otherwise.

Medical experts testified that even minimal exposure can cause mesothelioma. The defense claimed it would take 1,000 years of exposure to get sick.

The jury didn’t buy it. Neither did multiple health organizations, which confirm even brief contact with asbestos can be fatal.

Medical consensus recognizes that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. This isn’t just another legal case. It’s proof that workers exposed to asbestos decades ago can still hold companies accountable today.

Exposed to Asbestos on the Job: Why This Verdict Matters to You 

You might think your exposure wasn’t significant enough to matter. You might believe too much time has passed, but this verdict strongly proves otherwise. Mesothelioma lawsuits caused by occupational exposure to asbestos are common among shipyard, refinery, and chemical plant workers in Virginia.

Here’s what this verdict means for people in Newport News and across Virginia:

• If You Worked Around Asbestos: Companies that hid dangers decades ago are still being held responsible today. 
• If You Have Symptoms: Mesothelioma can take years to appear. Don’t wait to get answers about where your exposure occurred. 
• If You Lost Someone: Families deserve justice when loved ones die from preventable workplace diseases. 

PWHD Has Been Fighting These Cases for Decades 

This victory marks PWHD’s twelfth consecutive jury win against John Crane Inc.We understand how these companies operate and what it takes to prove they knew about the dangers of asbestos.

Our experienced Newport News, VA legal team has represented thousands of asbestos victims. We know the science, the history, and the tactics companies use to avoid liability.

Robert R. Hatten, who led this case, received the first Courageous Advocacy Award from the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association in 1987. Our firm continues that legacy today.

Have You Been Exposed to Asbestos on the Job? Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late 

Mesothelioma doesn’t give you a second chance. Once symptoms appear, the disease moves quickly. Legal deadlines move even faster.

Virginia law gives you limited time to file a claim. Miss that deadline and your case dies — no matter how strong your evidence is. Companies know this and often stall, hoping you will delay just long enough.

Every day you delay is a day closer to losing your rights. Every week you wait to call a lawyer is time your family can’t get back. 

If you or someone you love worked with asbestos products, you need to know your rights now. Not next month. Not when symptoms get worse. 

The Katcham family’s victory shows that justice is possible. But only if you take action.

Call PWHD at (757) 223-4500 today.
Your consultation is cost and risk-free.

PWHD represents mesothelioma victims and their families throughout Virginia and across the United States. We also handle serious personal injury cases involving traumatic injuries, medical malpractice, and other product liability matters.