Products Liability Law Reporter

Sarah Krentz was exposed to asbestos as a child when her stepfather, who worked as a sheet metal mechanic, unknowingly brought home asbestos fibers on his clothing after working near asbestos-containing products at various Milwaukee-area job sites. In 2014, she was diagnosed as having peritoneal mesothelioma and died of her disease approximately five years later at age 39. She was survived by her husband and then-12-year-old son. Her medical expenses totaled approximately $766,300.

Krentz’s husband and estate sued Motor Castings and Mid-City Foundry, alleging liability for Krentz’s death.

The jury awarded approximately $9.76 million, including $6 million for pain and suffering and $1 million for the husband’s loss of society.

Citation: Krentz v. Motor Castings, No. 2017-CV007030 (Wis. Cir. Ct. Milwaukee Cnty. May 19, 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Sophie Zavaglia, Christina Ewers, Michael Brockland, and Benjamin Schmickle, all of St. Louis.