Puckett et al vs. Baker Hughes Incorporated et al

Case Summary

Danny Puckett, an industrial engineer and oil field consultant, was exposed to asbestos while working for Dowell Company on their cement crew from 1975 to 1980. Mr. Puckett breathed dust from dumping and mixing bags of asbestos-containing mud additives. Mr. Puckett was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in September 2008. The Brazoria County jury awarded Mr. Puckett’s widow $1.2 million for the asbestos exposure that caused his malignant mesotheliom. Union Carbide and Montello, Inc. were each assessed 15-percent liability. Oklahoma law was applied to this case. It is the first know drilling mud additive verdict in Texas. Mr. Puckett died six months after being diagnosed – he was 59-years-old.

Verdict

October 5, 2009
$1.2M total award
Liability: 15% assigned to Union Carbide; 15% assigned to Montello, Inc.
Oklahoma law applied

Significance

Oklahoma law was applied to this case.
First known asbestos drilling mud additive verdict in Texas.

Case Information

Cause No. 49563
Puckett et al vs. Baker Hughes Incorporated et al
Trial length: 2 weeks Deliberation: 1 day

Jurisdiction

23rd District Court, Brazoria County, Texas
Hon. Ben Hardin, presiding

Plaintiff’s Experts (live testimony)

Arnold Brody, Ph.D., cell biologist
William Longo, Ph.D., material scientist
J. C. Maddox, M.D., pathology
Richard Thompson, economist

Defense Experts (live testimony)

Tim Oury, M.D., pathology
Jack Walsh, Corporate Representative for Union Carbide
Allen Johnson, Corporate Representative for Montello

Plaintiff’s Counsel

Water & Kraus, LLP – DALLAS, TX
Scott L. Frost (lead trial counsel)
Greg W. Lisemby
Carrie B. Waters

Defense Counsel

(Union Carbide) Hartline, Dacus, Barger, Dreyer & Kern, L.L.P. – CORPUS CHRISTI, TX
Michael G. Terry
(Union Carbide) Baker Botts, L.L.P.
Kevin M. Jordan
(Montello) Andrew S. Hartman, PC – TULSA, OK
Andrew S. Hartman

Disclaimer – Results obtained depend on the facts of each case. Award amounts are not actual cash amounts received by plaintiffs. Deductions are made for liens, attorney fees and expenses.

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