F.A.G. Bearings will have to pay Jodelle Kirk, 27, $20.6 million. $13 million of that is punitive damages and $7.6 is actual damages. In 2002, Kirk was diagnosed with auto-immune hepatitis. Testimony during trial revealed the disease was caused by a chemical known as T.C.E., a solvent used to clean metal parts at F.A.G. Bearings. Evidence also showed the company dumped about 40 tons of T.C.E. a year on its property and did it on the weekends.
Kirk came in contact with the contaminates when her mom was pregnant with her and as a child playing in streams and creeks in the area. In response to the ruling, F.A.G. Bearings released a statement saying, "We respect the jury's service, however, are disappointed with the decision as we do not believe the facts and evidence support Ms. Kirk's claims. We will appeal the decision."
