Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, Louisiana, August 12, 2021
In this matter, Steven “Joe” Aaron Sr. alleged causes of action of negligence and strict liability against defendant Ford. Aaron alleged exposure from asbestos-containing brakes and clutches associated with Ford vehicles while working as a gas station and school bus mechanic in the 1960s and 1970s. Aaron was diagnosed with mesothelioma over one year ago. Following a three-week trial before Judge Ethel Simms Julien, the jury found for Aaron on both counts and awarded a verdict of $8.26 million dollars ($6 million in general damages and $2,261,874.96 in medical expenses and loss of earning capacity).