This month, a jury in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware returned a defense verdict for an MG+M client, John Crane Inc. The decedent in the case, Icom Evans, alleged that he developed mesothelioma as a result of working with asbestos containing products while serving aboard U.S. Navy ships and through home automotive work. The case involved claims under maritime law for strict liability, negligence, and punitive damages. The trial lasted less than four full days. The jury returned a defense verdict after less than 40 minutes of deliberation. While John Crane's trial team presented several defenses, including the government contractor defense, the jury ultimately concluded that the plaintiff had not met her prima facie burden of establishing that John Crane had any role in causing Mr. Evan's mesothelioma.