Court of Appeal hears oral arguments in case with $14.5M punitive damages award

Law 360 (subscription required) is reporting on yesterday’s oral argument in Pfeifer v. John Crane, a case in which a jury awarded $14.5 million in punitive damages against a manufacturer of asbestos-containing gaskets.  According to the story, John Crane is seeking to vacate the award due to the absence of any evidence of malice, oppression, or fraud.  The story reports that one member of the appellate panel, Justice Manella, was skeptical of Crane’s arguments.  The opinion should be released by the end of the year.