Decedent's widow, the plaintiff, claimed that her husband contracted mesothelioma from asbestos products on tankers, where he had worked as a seaman for many years.   Although it was not disputed that decedent had contracted the disease from exposure to asbestos, defense counsel Edward Hugo convinced the jury that defendant's products were not responsible.   The plaintiff had been seeking $200,000. The jury found for the defense. (Hoffman v. Abex Corporation, San Francisco Superior Court, 3/31/99)