http://www.lexisnexis.com/mealeys/news.aspx Headline Asbestos Legal News from LexisNexis® en-us http://www.lexisnexis.com/mealeys/images/lexismealeyslogo.gif 130 29 http://www.lexisnexis.com/mealeys/news.aspx Copyright 2012 http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%201%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LOS ANGELES - Because a man's cumulative exposure led to his mesothelioma, a jury's allocation of 70 percent of the fault to one defendant and zero fault to a similar defendant must be erroneous, John Crane Inc. told a California appellate court April 4 (William Pfeifer, et al. v. Aurora Pump Co., et al., No. B232315, Calif. App., 2nd Dist.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%202%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PORTLAND, Maine - A man alleges that a corporate officer's personal conduct caused exposure to asbestos, putting the claims outside the corporate veil or the statute of repose, which apply to corporate conduct, a Maine judge held Feb. 21 (Michael Mahar, et al. v. Peter E. Sullivan, No. BCD-CV-12-05, Maine Super., Cumberland Co.; 2012 Me. Super. LEXIS 41). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%203%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - Liability for one defendant in the federal asbestos multidistrict litigation must be determined on remand to the district court, but the evidence against two other defendants is too thin and warrants summary judgment in three cases originating from Wisconsin, a judge held April 5 (Beverly Anderson v. A.W. Chesterton Co., et al., Gerald F. Bushmaker v. A.W. Chesterton Co., et al., Nos. MDL 875, 11-63482, 10-61116, E.D. Pa.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 65224; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 65177; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 65223; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 65151; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 65157). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%204%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - A valve maker escaped liability in a federal asbestos action, but a turbine manufacturer could not evade direct evidence of exposure, nor could another company successfully contend that the plaintiff's evidence referred to another defendant, the federal judge overseeing the asbestos multidistrict litigation held April 5 (Deon W. Wright v. A.W. Chesterton Co., et al., No. MDL 875, 11-01954, E.D. Pa.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%205%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - A man presents sufficient evidence of exposure to a company's cable, that the product contained asbestos and that work with the cable created dust to survive summary judgment, the federal judge overseeing the asbestos multidistrict litigation held April 4 (Jeffrey Lange, et al. v. AcandS Inc., et al., No. MDL 875, 10-68122, E.D. Pa.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 64719). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%206%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - An Illinois plaintiff alleges work around two companies' products, but not that his work disturbed any asbestos contained in those products, the judge overseeing the federal asbestos multidistrict litigation held April 3 (Paul W. Gehrt v. ACandS Inc., et al., No. MDL 875, 08-92066, E.D. Pa.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 65161; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 65153). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%207%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - The Pennsylvania Superior Court should affirm the exclusion of expert opinions from asbestos plaintiffs' friction-products causation experts, a Pennsylvania judge held April 16 (Leslie Victor Duke and Dorian Duke v. Honeywell International Inc., et al., No. 3451, Pa. Comm. Pls., Philadelphia Co.; 2012 Phila Ct. Com. Pl. LEXIS 122). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%208%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WILMINGTON, Del. - Sufficient evidence exists that, when viewed in the light most favorable to the plaintiff, a jury could conclude that a man suffered exposure to asbestos from asbestos-containing parts originally supplied with a product, a Delaware judge affirmed May 1 (In re Asbestos Litigation: Reed Grgich limited to Crane Co., No. N10C-12-011 ASB, Del. Super., New Castle Co.; See 4/18/12, Page 6). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%209%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LOS ANGELES - The doctrine of collateral estoppel does not bar a premises liability action alleging household exposure to asbestos because it differs sufficiently from an earlier action related to household exposure due to employment, a California appeals court held May 3 (Joshua Haver, et al. v. BNSF Railroad Co., No. B229415, Calif. App., 2nd Dist., Div. 5). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2010%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - A Pennsylvania judge on May 3 denied a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict or a new trial and affirmed an $825,000 asbestos award against a welding rod company (Estate of Robert Wolfinger v. 20th Century Glove Corp. of Texas, et al., No. 050103053, Pa. Comm. Pls., Philadelphia Co.; See 5/19/10, Page 8). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2011%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW ORLEANS - Interrupted deposition testimony of a man who died of asbestosis just eight days later is inadmissible hearsay except as it pertains to his mental, physical and emotional condition, a divided Louisiana Supreme Court held May 8 (Joseph C. Trascher, et al. v. Peter Territo, et al., No. 2011-CC-2093, La. Sup.; 2012 La. LEXIS 1316). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2012%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WHEELING, W.Va. - A railroad successfully alleges a scheme to file fraudulent asbestos claims against it as well as reliance on those actions and injury resulting from defending itself, a West Virginia federal judge held May 3 in denying a motion to dismiss (CSX Transportation Inc. v. Robert V. Gilkison, et al., No. 05-202, N.D. W.Va.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 61719). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2013%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank SAN FRANCISCO - Plaintiffs can cure any defects in their action against a brake-grinding machine manufacturer and should be allowed leave to amend to do so, a California appeals court held May 4 (Rita Bettencourt, et al. v. Hennessy Industries Inc., Donald Pearson v. Hennessey Industries Inc., Noel Shusted, et al. v. Hennessy Industries Inc., Sandy Siegel, et al. v. Hennessy Industries Inc., Nos. A129379, A130211, A131063, A131071, Calif. Super., 1st Dist.; 2012 Cal. App. LEXIS 536). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2014%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Committee on the Judiciary's Subcommittee on Courts, Commercial and Administrative Law on May 10 heard testimony on House Resolution 4369, the Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency (FACT) Act of 2012 and the purpose and transparency of the asbestos bankruptcy trust system. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2015%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LOS ANGELES - Parties in an asbestos action brought by a Minnesota resident in California must show cause as to why the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota is not the more appropriate forum for the case, a California federal judge held May 7 (Vernon P. Lannes v. Air & Liquid Systems Corp., et al., No. 12-01876, C.D. Calif.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 63969). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2016%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - The federal judge overseeing the asbestos multidistrict litigation on May 8 remanded more than 80 cases to California for "trial without delay," finding that all outstanding motions had been resolved and that settlement discussions had been exhausted. In one of the cases, the judge denied a motion seeking relief from an earlier order excluding an unsworn affidavit (Richard Close v. General Electric Co., et al., No. MDL 875, 09-70107, E.D. Pa.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2017%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LOS ANGELES - A man's disclaimer of any liability for conduct arising under a federal officer does not negate the fact that he seeks recovery for exposure to asbestos aboard U.S. Navy ships, a California federal judge held May 3 (Gerald Brantley v. Borg-Warner Morse Tec Inc., et al., No. 12-540, S.D. Calif.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 62220). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2018%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank BALTIMORE - A boiler maker was not on notice of an asbestos action's removability based on a man's complaint that failed to name any ships and alleged only intermittent work at a shipyard, a Maryland federal judge held April 30 (Claude A. Harper v. Alltite Gaskets, et al., No. 12-0460, D. Md.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 60422). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2019%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Bankruptcy Code trumps anti-assignment provisions in insurance policies, the Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals held May 1 (In re: Federal-Mogul Global Inc., et al., Nos. 09-2230 and 09-2231, 3rd Cir.; 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 8814). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2020%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PORTLAND, Maine - An employer does not owe interest on a payment for failing to properly respond to an employee's claim and may use the payment as an offset against an award for asbestos-related lung disease, but it may not receive an offset for the widow's death benefits, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court held May 3 (Estate of Michael Joyce v. Commercial Welding Co., et al., No. WCB 11-352, Maine Sup.; 2012 Me. LEXIS 64). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2021%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PLAINTIFF Abraham, Jerrold, pathologist, Syracuse, N.Y.; 11/12/03, Page 5; 11/17/04, Page 4; 5/4/05, Page 5; 3/15/06, Page 4; 6/7/06, Page 4; 10/17/07, Page 9; 8/6/08, Page 6; 1/21/09, Page 5; 1/21/09, Page 6; 1/21/09, Page 8; 4/1/09, Page 6; 10/7/09, Page 4; 8/25/10, Page 5; 8/25/10, Page 6 http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%201%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank RALEIGH, Miss. - A Mississippi judge on April 25 entered judgment on a defense verdict after a retrial in an asbestos case in which the plaintiffs initially netted a $322 million verdict (Thomas Brown Jr. v. Phillips 66, et al., No. 2006-196, Miss. Cir., Smith Co.; See 1/18/12, Page 6). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%202%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LOS ANGELES - Sufficient evidence supports punitive damages of $4.5 million and $9 million against two companies in an asbestos case, as well as the defendants' ability to pay such amounts, a California appeals court held in separate opinions, one filed April 26 (Gordon Bankhead, et al. v. ArvinMeritor Inc., Emily Bankhead v. Pneumo Abex LLC, Nos. A131587, A132985, A131378, A135224, Calif. App., 1st Dist.; See 1/19/11, Page 4). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%203%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WILMINGTON, Del. - A Delaware judge on April 19 declined to reconsider his finding that Virginia would hold manufacturers liable for asbestos-containing replacement parts, saying a valve maker rehashes arguments instead of introducing new case law or facts (In re Asbestos Litigation: Darlene K. Merritt and James Kilby Story, et al., Limited to: The William Powell Co., No. N10C-11-200 ASB, Del. Super., New Castle Co.; See 4/18/12, Page 4). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%204%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank SAN FRANCISCO - The manufacturer of a machine designed to grind brake linings that would have contained asbestos at the time can be held liable for a man's exposure to asbestos because its product does not fall under the "component parts doctrine," a California appeals court held April 13 (Leonard Shields, et al. v. Hennessy Industries Inc., No. A130213, Calif. App., 1st Dist., Div. 1; 2012 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 2766). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%205%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LOS ANGELES - An asbestos defendant did not need to make separate settlement offers to both spouses, a California appeals court held April 24 (Nasseem Farag, et al. v. ArvinMeritor Inc., No. B233137, Calif. App., 2nd Dist., Div. 3; 2012 Cal. App. LEXIS 490; See 1/19/11, Page 4). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%206%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - Minnesota law exempting personal injury claims from the one-year limit on suits against dissolved companies does not apply retroactively, the judge overseeing the federal asbestos multidistrict litigation held April 20 in dismissing 41 claims against the company's successor (Various plaintiffs v. Various defendants, No. MDL 875, E.D. Pa.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 57430). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%207%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - Plaintiffs in the maritime asbestos multidistrict litigation must produce any bankruptcy trust forms in their possession and create authorization forms for the remainder and must make other evidence available in a more organized form than than simply placing it on an extranet, a federal judge held April 19 (In re Asbestos Products Liability Litigation [No. VI]; Certain plaintiffs v. certain defendants, No. MDL 875, 02-875, E.D. Pa.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 55095). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%208%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WHEELING, W.Va. - Lawyers sued for allegedly filing thousands of asbestos claims without regard for their merit may proceed with counterclaims that a railroad misrepresented the damages it incurred defending one of the claims and failed to disclose material evidence, a West Virginia federal judge held April 25 (CSX Transportation Inc. v. Robert V. Gilkison, et al., No. 05-202, N.D. W.Va.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 57429; See related story, this issue). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%209%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank JACKSON, Miss. - If a Mississippi federal judge who dismissed claims challenging the filing of asbestos cases grants an expert's motion and enter judgment on pending motions, those rulings should apply to a defendant attorney as well, the lawyer argues in an April 16 brief (National Service Industries Inc., f/d/b/a North Brothers Inc. v. Jay T. Segarra, M.D., et al., No. 09-83, S.D Miss.; See 4/4/12, Page 14). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2010%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank HONOLULU - Three defendants have demonstrated that the U.S. Navy issued reasonably precise specifications involving asbestos warnings, making removal under the federal officer statute appropriate, a Hawaii judge held April 17 (David M. Thompson Jr. v. Crane Co., et al., No. 11-00638, D. Hawaii; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 53755). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2011%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW YORK - An asbestos defendant flaunted an order not to file an indemnification action until having some adverse result entered against it, a New York justice held April 12 in dismissing the action (Thermwell Products Inc. v. Nitto Denko America Inc., et al., No. 112195/11, N.Y. Sup., New York Co.; 2012 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 1729). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2012%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - An industrial hygienist offered as an expert by valve and pump manufacturers in asbestos litigation relied on numerous reports in reaching her conclusions, and any flaws in her own studies can be addressed on cross-examination, according to a report adopted by the judge overseeing the federal asbestos multidistrict litigation on April 23 (In re: Asbestos Products Liability Litigation [No. VI], Susan Mary Staton, et al. v. American Standard Inc., et al., No. MDL 875, 09-93760, E.D. Pa.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 56380; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 56832). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2013%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - An expert's "presumptive diagnosis" of asbestosis fell short of the required reasonable degree of medical certainty, leaving a plaintiff without a compensable injury, the judge overseeing the federal asbestos multidistrict litigation held April 11 in adopting a magistrate judge's report (Jesse Ralph Carter v. CSX Transportation Inc., et al., No. MDL 875, 09-74410, E.D. Pa.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 51878; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 51927). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2014%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHOENIX - An Arizona resident's exposure to asbestos and, thus, his injury occurred in New Mexico, and its statute of repose applies to companies contracted to design, manufacture and install customized products, the Arizona Court of Appeals held April 17 (Vickie L. Pounders, et al. v. Enserch E&C Inc., et al., No. 1 CA-CV 11-0282, Ariz App., Div. 1; 2012 Ariz. App. LEXIS 53). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2015%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW YORK - A man's testimony placing a co-worker in proximity to Crane Co. asbestos-containing valves creates genuine issues of material fact, even though at other times he testified that he could specifically recall at which sites he encountered the company's valves, a New York justice held April 5 (Christine A. McDonald, et al v. A.C.&S. Inc., et al., No. 105389/02, N.Y. Sup., New York Co.; 2012 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 1714). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2016%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank MADISON, Wis. - Invoices allegedly documenting the sale of asbestos-containing products turned over by a company's lawyer are admissible under the ancient-documents exception to the hearsay rule, a Wisconsin appeals court held April 17 (Cindy Horak, et al. v. Building Services Industrial Sales Co., Trane US Inc., F/D/B American Standard Inc., Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. and Owens Illinois Inc., No. 2011AP414 Wis. App., 1st Dist.; 2012 Wisc. App. LEXIS 308). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2017%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LOS ANGELES - Contradictory testimony regarding who removed asbestos-containing insulation from boilers entitles the manufacturer of those boilers to summary judgment, a California appellate court affirmed April 26 (Marilyn Davis, et al. v. Foster Wheeler Energy Corp., No. B226089, Calif. App., 2nd Dist., Div. 5). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2018%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A woman may conduct discovery from Yale University regarding its relationship with a company whose employee allegedly suffered exposure to asbestos while working at the school, a Rhode Island judge held April 20 (Rachel Karina Beddoe-Greene, et al. v. Basic Inc., et al., No. PC2011-4617, R.I. Super., Providence Plantation; 2012 R.I. Super. LEXIS 63). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2019%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LOS ANGELES - The California Supreme Court on April 18 declined to depublish an opinion in which the state's Second District Court of Appeal held that it could not decide whether Kmart Corp.'s bankruptcy discharged a man's asbestos claim absent evidence of the ascertainability of a man's claim at the time of the bankruptcy filing (Rachel Flores, et al v. Kmart Corp., No. S200295, Calif. Sup.; See 2/1/12, Page 4). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2020%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WHEELING, W.Va. - A railroad pursuing conspiracy claims against an asbestos plaintiffs' firm and its expert witnesses must produce files from 10,000 third-party cases against it, a federal West Virginia judge held April 18 (CSX Transportation Inc. v. Robert V. Gilkison, et al., No. 05-202, N.D. W.Va.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2021%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank HONOLULU - Suppliers of asbestos-containing products successfully establish a colorable federal defense by demonstrating that the Navy prohibited warnings and knew of the dangers, a Hawaii federal judge held April 16 in denying remand (Douglas P. Leite and Mary Ann K. Leite v. Crane Co., No. 11-00636, D. Hawaii; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 52861). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2022%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LOS ANGELES - A man's waiver of "any claims" of exposure to asbestos from a manufacturer arising at military or federal sites eliminates any federal jurisdiction on which to base removal, a California federal judge held April 25 in remanding the case (Geoffrey Lockwood v. Crane Co., et al., No. 12-01473, C.D. Calif.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 57986). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2023%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - A company's affirmative defense that any products it supplied the U.S. Navy came under strict scrutiny did not put it on notice of a woman's action alleging household exposure to asbestos from her ex-husband's work on "ships," the federal judge overseeing the asbestos multidistrict litigation held April 17 (Lola Bouchard, et al. v. CBS Corp., et al., No. MDL-875, 11-66270, E.D. Pa.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 54647). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2024%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank CHICAGO - CBS Corp. told a federal judge on April 27 that he retains jurisdiction over a reconsideration motion involving remand of an asbestos case to Illinois state court and that the facts support its removal (Henry Ruppel v. A.O. Smith Corp., et al., No. 12-293, S.D. Ill.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 55886). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2025%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Benjamin Quayle, R-Ariz., on April 17 introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would require quarterly reports from asbestos bankruptcy trusts detailing the receipt and disposition of claims. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2026%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LONDON - After determining that Cape PLC had a duty to share knowledge that it had about the risks of asbestos with its subsidiary and information on how to provide employees with a safe working environment, an England and Wales appeals court on April 25 found that Cape PLC, as the parent company, was responsible for the activities of its subsidiary and was liable for an employee's asbestosis (David Brian Chandler v. Cape PLC, No. [2012] EWCA Civ 525, England and Wales App.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2027%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PLAINTIFF Abraham, Jerrold, pathologist, Syracuse, N.Y.; 11/12/03, Page 5; 11/17/04, Page 4; 5/4/05, Page 5; 3/15/06, Page 4; 6/7/06, Page 4; 10/17/07, Page 9; 8/6/08, Page 6; 1/21/09, Page 5; 1/21/09, Page 6; 1/21/09, Page 8; 4/1/09, Page 6; 10/7/09, Page 4; 8/25/10, Page 5; 8/25/10, Page 6 http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2028%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank By Jason L. Kennedy Lindsey A. Rodgers and Freddy Fonseca Introduction Since 2005, there has been a substantial transformation in asbestos litigation as nonmalignant claimant filings have declined dramatically in virtually all jurisdictions as a result of a number of factors. First, courts and legislatures in a number of key jurisdictions adopted inactive dockets and statutory medical criteria to address mass filings by the unimpaired.1 Second, the landmark opinion by the manager of the federal multidistrict silica litigation also led courts to be alert to potential fraud and to begin to review all mass tort claims, especially asbestos claims, with greater scrutiny.2 There are pockets, however, where suspect nonmalignant claims continue to be pressed. This commentary will study two jurisdictions that have continued the recent national trend of preventing flimsy or meritless claims generated by lawyer-driven screenings from gaining traction: Indiana and the federal MDL. It will then discuss another jurisdiction, Wayne County, Michigan, where the presiding judge seems resistant to the national trend and to continuing the positive steps with respect to his own past exclusion of unreliable expert causation evidence. This commentary argues that courts confronting pockets of nonmalignant filings generated as a result of screenings should join the enlightened view started by Judge Jack and now shared by many asbestos judges that have taken steps to improve the asbestos litigation environment. From both a legal and policy perspective this approach is far superior to one that abdicates the proper judicial gatekeeping role regarding the admissibility of expert evidence because of its powerful effect in court. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%201%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WILMINGTON, Del. - Plaintiffs demonstrate potential exposure to replacement asbestos-containing packing on valves, and under the foreseeability standard applied in Virginia, a manufacturer can be held liable for failure to warn about the dangers of such a product, a Delaware judge held April 5 (In re Asbestos Litigation: Darlene K. Merritt and James Kilby Story, et al., Limited to: The William Powell Co., No. N10C-11-200 ASB, Del. Super., New Castle Co.; 2012 Del. Super. LEXIS 148). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%202%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - Under maritime law, a turbine manufacturer cannot be liable for asbestos-containing insulation added to its products, but plaintiffs successfully demonstrate that the U.S. Navy expected manufacturers to warn about the dangers of original parts, the federal judge overseeing the asbestos multidistrict litigation held April 3 (Various plaintiffs v. Various defendants, No. MDL 875, E.D. Pa.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 46772). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%203%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WILMINGTON, Del. - Maritime law imposes no duty on Crane Co. to warn about the dangers of asbestos-containing replacement parts; however, the company fails to eliminate the possibility that a man who served aboard ships a decade after their commission could have come into contact with the original, asbestos-containing parts, a Delaware judge held April 2 (In re: Asbestos Litigation: Harold Howton and Shirley Howton, limited to: Crane Co., Cleaver-Brooks Inc., No. N11C-03-218 ASB, Del. Super., New Castle Co.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%204%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WILMINGTON, Del. - Manufacturers would not have a duty under Utah law to warn about the dangers of asbestos-containing replacement parts, a Delaware judge held April 2 (In re Asbestos Litigation: Reed Grgich limited to Crane Co., No. N10C-12-011 ASB, Del. Super., New Castle Co.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%205%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case name: Carolyn Garrelts v. John Crane Inc. Case number: 11L-121 Court: Ill. Cir., McLean Co. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%206%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton on April 9 vetoed a bill seeking to limit the liabilities of companies whose asbestos liabilities arose from mergers or consolidation before Jan. 1, 1972. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%207%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - Michigan and Idaho recently enacted legislation that would eliminate asbestos liabilities for successor corporations while legislation pending in Ohio would require asbestos claimants to disclose information regarding claims made to bankruptcy trusts. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%208%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank HOUSTON - No Texas statute authorizes a judge to force plaintiffs to file claims with asbestos bankruptcy trusts, the judge overseeing the state's asbestos multidistrict litigation held Feb. 17 (Bobby J. Brumley and Geneva M. Brumley v. Akzo Nobel Inc., et al., Curtis Brumley, et al. v. Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemicals LLC, et al., Nos. 2011-48476-ASB, 2010-17509-ASB, Texas Dist., Harris Co.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%209%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW YORK - Personal injury suits seeking to hold Pfizer Inc. liable for asbestos-containing products manufactured by bankrupt subsidiary Quigley Co. Inc. under an "apparent manufacturer" theory of liability are not barred by an injunction issued in Quigley's Chapter 11 case, the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals held April 10 (In re Quigley Company, Inc. [Pfizer Inc. and Quigley Company, Inc., v. Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos, Nos. 11-2635, 11-2767], 2nd Cir.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2010%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank ST. LOUIS - A Missouri federal judge on April 3 granted an insured's motion to exclude an expert report and testimony submitted by insurers in an asbestos coverage dispute after determining that the expert employs no specialized knowledge to reach his conclusions, and only tells the jury what result to reach with regard to the insured's alleged misrepresentations (Brauer Supply Co. 542(g) Asbestos Personal Injury Trust v. Atlanta International Insurance Co., No. 09-1640, E.D. Mo.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 46751). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2011%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank BALTIMORE - Companies sued for allegedly exposing a man to asbestos in Maryland produce sufficient evidence that the exposure came in a federal enclave to warrant removal, a federal judge held April 6 (Michael R. Jones, et al. v. John Crane-Houdaille Inc., et al., No. 11-15263, D. Md.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 48931). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2012%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WHEELING, W.Va. - A railroad argues in an April 4 brief that it needs to depose more witnesses to make its case that a plaintiffs' law firm conspired with expert witnesses to file unwarranted asbestos claims (CSX Transportation Inc. v. Robert V. Gilkison, et al., No. 05-202, N.D. W.Va.; See 3/7/12, Page 15). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2013%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank JACKSON, Miss. - Summary judgment motions demonstrated the misleading nature of an action alleging fraud in the filing of asbestos claims and should be granted, even though the plaintiff failed to respond, an asbestos expert argues in an April 9 brief in Mississippi federal court (National Service Industries Inc., f/d/b/a North Brothers Inc. v. Jay T. Segarra, M.D., et al., No. 09-83, S.D Miss.; See 4/4/12, Page 14). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2014%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WILMINGTON, Del. - Parties recently completed briefing the Delaware Supreme Court on the appropriateness of sanctions levied against an asbestos plaintiffs' attorney (Thomas C. Crumplar v. The Superior Court, Thomas C. Crumplar v. The Superior Court, Nos. 643, 2011, 644, 2011, Del. Sup.; See 2/15/12, Page 13). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2015%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - A motor manufacturer fails to demonstrate that no genuine issue of material fact exists regarding potential exposure to its products, a Connecticut judge held April 12 (Irene Taska, et al. v. ACMAT Corp., et al., No. CV095024323 S, Conn. Super., Fairfield at Bridgeport). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2016%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank SAN FRANCISCO - A couple's motion seeking remand of an asbestos case based on the timeliness of its removal is itself untimely, a California federal judge held April 2 in denying remand and staying the case (Donald Bell and Sumiko Bell v. Arvin Meritor Inc., et al., No. 12-00131, N.D. Calif.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2017%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - Sufficient evidence supports a trial court's determination that a demolition project did not render asbestos-containing floor tile friable, an Ohio appeals court held March 30 (State of Ohio, ex rel. Mike Dewine v. Titan Wrecking & Environmental LLC, No. 24661, Ohio App., 2nd Dist.; 2012 Ohio App. LEXIS 1225). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2018%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WASHINGTON, D.C. - An appeals board did not hold a veteran's widow to a higher standard when concluding that the evidence did not support awarding service connection for the veteran's lung cancer death, an appeals court judge held April 12 (Virginia I. Peck v. Eric K. Shinseki, secretary of Veterans Affairs, No. 11-1667, U.S. App., Vet. Clms.; 2012 U.S. App. Vet. Claims LEXIS 689). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2019%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - The judge overseeing the federal asbestos multidistrict litigation on April 5 adopted a report finding that while a railroad challenged the completeness and reliability of evidence an expert relied upon, it did not challenge the accuracy (Raymond L. Rosenblatt v. CSX Transportation Inc., et al., No. MDL 875, 09-92640, E.D. Pa.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 48715). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2020%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LONDON - British asbestos workers suffered "significantly higher" rates of mortality from cerebrovascular disease and heart disease than the general population between 1971 and 2005, according to a study published in the April 2 "Occupational & Environmental Medicine." http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2021%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW YORK - A man's "extremely vague" testimony establishes only the presence of Crane Co. pumps at a hospital where he worked and does not identify any asbestos-containing insulation or gaskets used in the vicinity, a New York justice held in an opinion posted April 2 (Thomas Stringer and Marcia Stringer v. A.O. Smith Water Products Co., et al., No. 190444/10, N.Y. Sup., New York Co.; 2012 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 1434). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=27-6%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Asb.%2022%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PLAINTIFF Abraham, Jerrold, pathologist, Syracuse, N.Y.; 11/12/03, Page 5; 11/17/04, Page 4; 5/4/05, Page 5; 3/15/06, Page 4; 6/7/06, Page 4; 10/17/07, Page 9; 8/6/08, Page 6; 1/21/09, Page 5; 1/21/09, Page 6; 1/21/09, Page 8; 4/1/09, Page 6; 10/7/09, Page 4; 8/25/10, Page 5; 8/25/10, Page 6