Kilough v. Kellogg, Brown & Root, Inc.
Case Summary
A Harris County jury awarded a record $5.5 million verdict against Halliburton subsidiary Kellogg, Brown & Root, Inc. (Brown & Root) to the widow of an asbestos victim. The jury found Brown & Root negligent and grossly negligent in causing the asbestos-related lung cancer and death of Herrel Wayne Kilough. The verdict was handed down on April 30, 2002, and is believed to be the largest asbestos verdict against Brown at the time. Mr. Kilough was employed by Brown & Root intermittently from 1965 to 1986 as a pipe fitter, boilermaker and welder. He performed tear-out and shut-down work at numerous industrial plants in the Houston area. Throughout his employment with Brown & Root, Mr. Kilough was exposed to asbestos dust created by his work with and around asbestos-containing insulation materials. Mr. Kilough died from lung cancer at age 50.
Verdict
April 30, 2002
$5.5 million
The case subsequently settled.
Significance
Largest known asbestos verdict against Brown & Root.
The jury found that Brown & Root acted with conscious indifference to the safety, rights, and wellbeing of its employees
Case Information
Patti Kilough, individually and as personal representative of the heirs and estate of Herrel Wayne Kilough, deceased, v. Brown & Root, Inc. n/k/a Kellogg Brown & Root, Inc., et al
Cause No. 98-27940
Jurisdiction
Harris County, Texas, 127th Judicial District Court
Hon. Lee Duggan, presiding
Plaintiffs’ Experts
Arnold Brody, Ph.D., cell biologist
Mark Colella, M.D., radiologist
Edwin Holstein, M.D., occupational medicine
Jerry Lauderdale, CIH, industrial hygienist
Defense Experts
Robert Ross, M.D., pulmonologist
Francis Weir, Ph.D., CIH, industrial hygienist
Plaintiffs’ Counsel
Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel, L.L.P., Dallas, Texas
Troyce Wolf
Ron C. Eddins
Defense Counsel
Godwin Gruber, P.C., Dallas, Texas
Jack Jamison
Josephine Jamison
Paul Bass, III
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.
