George Stephenson v. PK&P Investment Co. f/k/a Mole-Richardson Co., Ltd., et al.
Plaintiff George Stephenson brought an asbestos personal-injury action against the company formerly known as Mole-Richardson Co., alleging that his mesothelioma was caused by exposure to asbestos-containing theatrical and studio lighting equipment manufactured and supplied by Mole-Richardson.
Stephenson, age 80, an Army veteran and longtime Hollywood cameraman, claimed that during his decades-long career in moviemaking, he regularly worked around Mole-Richardson’s lighting equipment, which allegedly incorporated asbestos-insulated cables and other components.
Stephenson filed his complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. The case proceeded to trial before Judge Stephen Czuleger. By the time of trial, Mole-Richardson was the sole defendant.
On Feb. 27, 2026, after two-and-a-half hours of deliberations, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, including a finding of malice, determining that Mole-Richardson was 100% liable for the plaintiff’s injuries. The award was for $33,384,400 in non-economic damages; economic damages were waived. The matter resolved before the second phase of punitive damages proceedings was completed.
A copy of the decision is attached.
