Pfizer to appeal US$18mn verdict

An El Paso jury award of US$18mn to Miguel Agustin Calderon, in respect of asbestosis, is to be appealed. He was first exposed to the substance 45 years ago while working with insulators at Phelps Dodge Corp, but claims he contracted the disease later while working for Pfizer subsidiary Quigley. The award includes US$3mn for medical expenses and US$15mn punitive damages.