DuPont C8
The information below includes reference to specific case results of the past and should not be misconstrued as any indication that a future client or case will have a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Past case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case undertaken by this law firm.
First C8 Trial: 1.6 Million Dollar Verdict Against DuPont
On October 7, 2015, a federal court jury in Columbus, Ohio, returned a verdict against DuPont in the first of 3500 cases charging that DuPont knowingly contaminated drinking water near its facility below Parkersburg, West Virginia. The jury found that Guysville, Ohio resident Carla Marie Bartlett contracted kidney cancer as a result of being exposed to DuPont’s C8 chemical in her water.
The verdict for Carla Bartlett included $1.1 million against DuPont for damages arising from its negligence and $500,000 additional compensation for the emotional distress which Carla Bartlett suffered as a result of DuPont’s conduct.
Second C8 Trial: 5.6 Million Dollar Verdict Against DuPont
On Wednesday July 6, a federal court jury in Columbus, Ohio, returned a verdict against DuPont in favor of Cutler, Ohio resident David Freeman in the amount of $5.1 million. The jury found that David Freeman contracted testicular cancer as a result of being exposed to DuPont’s C8 chemical in his water. The jury also found that DuPont’s conduct was malicious. For that reason, the trial next proceeded with presentation of evidence regarding necessary punitive damages.
Two days later, on Friday July 8, 2016, the Freeman jury concluded final deliberations for the punitive damage phase of the trial and added $500,000 of punitive damages to its original $5.1 million verdict against DuPont. The jury also made a finding that the DuPont is liable for David Freeman’s attorney fees (in addition to the $5.6 million damages verdict).
Third C8 Trial: 12.5 Million Dollar Verdict Against DuPont
On Wednesday, December 21, 2016, a federal court jury in Columbus, Ohio, returned a verdict against DuPont in favor of Vincent, Ohio resident Kenneth Vigneron in the amount of $2 million for compensatory damages. The jury found that David Freeman contracted testicular cancer as a result of being exposed to DuPont’s C8 chemical in his water. The jury further found that DuPont’s conduct in contaminating the water was malicious.
After taking a break for the holidays, the jury returned on January 4, 2017 to hear punitive damage evidence. The next day, January 5, 2017, the jury concluded final deliberations and added $10,500,000 of punitive damages to the previous $2 million compensatory damages, making the total verdict against DuPont in this case $12.5 million. The jury also made a finding that the DuPont is liable for Kenneth Vigneron’s attorney fees.
Summary
Hill Peterson Carper Bee & Deitzler, PLLC, along with Taft Stettinius and Hollister, LLP (Cincinnati, OH) and Winter & Johnson (Charleston, WV) filed the 2001 class action lawsuit which enabled the affected residents to seek compensation for their injuries. In subsequent litigation on the case, the three original firms were also joined by the law firms of Levin Papantonio (Pensacola, FL), Douglas & London, PC (New York, NY), and Kennedy & Madonna, LLP (Hurley, NY).
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