Plaintiffs claimed that they developed asbestosis as a result of working with asbestos-containing products in naval shipyards and demanded up to $2.5 million in economic, non-economic and punitive damages.   Defense counsel Edward Hugo argued that the U.S. Navy was solely responsible for plaintiffs' harm under the theory of superseding cause.   After a 12-week trial, the jury agreed and found for the defense. (Todahl v. Owens Corning, San Francisco Superior Court, 9/3/97)