(January 9, 2018, 11:25 AM EST) -- TACOMA, Wash. — A Washington state judge on Dec. 1 upheld an $81.5 million asbestos verdict, rejecting two friction-products companies’ arguments about “systemic misconduct” and that the award was so excessive as to warrant a new trial or remittitur (Gerri Coogan, et al. v. Genuine Parts Co., et al., No. 15-2-09504-3, Wash. Super., Pierce Co.)....