Walker v. Becton Dickinson, et al.

CONCLUDED

Trial
04/15/25 – 05/06/25

Summary

In this litigation over ethylene oxide exposure, plaintiff claims the chemical, used to sterilize medical equipment at defendants' plant, caused his non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Plaintiff claims defendants, Becton Dickinson and Company and its subsidiary, Bard, failed to warn of the dangers associated with exposure to the chemical, despite the fact that the chemical was released into the air surrounding the community and off-gassed from shipping boxes containing sterilized medical equipment.

The defense contends plaintiff's exposure to ethylene oxide, or EtO, was not at a high enough level to cause his cancer. The defense claims plaintiff's disease was naturally occurring and unpreventable. And the defense contends the companies acted responsibly in their use and management of the chemical.

Outcome

For the plaintiff: $20 million in compensatory damages, plus a finding that punitive damages were warranted.

Mistrial on the issue of punitives in the subsequent punitive phase of proceedings.

Case Information
Attorneys
Witnesses
Plaintiff
Defense
Verdict
$20,000,000
Judge
Emily Brantley
Jurisdiction
State Court of Georgia, Gwinnett County
Court
GA-State Court of Georgia, Gwinnett County-Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center
Case Number
21-C-08201-S1
Industry
Health care
Practice Area
Products Liability
Plaintiff
Walker, Gary
Defense
Becton Dickinson
Expert Witnesses
Lay Witnesses

Sessions

APR
15
APR
16
APR
17
APR
18
APR
21
APR
22
APR
23
APR
24
APR
25
APR
28
APR
29
APR
30
MAY
1
PM Session
Other
2 Chapters
MAY
2
PM Session
Other
2 Chapters
MAY
5
MAY
6

Recording Disclaimer: This proceeding was recorded in full.

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