X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
OPINION

� 1 This matter is before the Court on cross-appeals from judgments entered for the plaintiffs in five asbestos cases consolidated for trial. The respective plaintiffs, Charlotte Andaloro, James J. and Francis L. Greenhalgh, Edward C. and Doris Burkett, Ralph and Elizabeth Swan, and Harold and Marion Ruby (collectively “Plaintiffs”), assert that the trial court erred in molding the verdict to reflect the appropriate pro rata distribution of liability between the numerous defendants. Defendant and cross-appellant John Crane, Inc. contends that the court erred in refusing to enter judgment notwithstanding the verdict on the basis that Plaintiffs failed to establish exposure to John Crane products and failed to present adequate expert testimony on causation. In the alternative, Crane demands remittitur and raises putative procedural errors, impugning the consolidation of the cases as well as the court’s charge during the liability phase of the trial. For the following reasons, we affirm in part and vacate in part.

� 2 Plaintiffs commenced the underlying actions against the named defendants following medical diagnoses of mesothelioma or asbestosis in each of the plaintiff husbands. Additionally, Plaintiffs filed claims with the Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust for compensation from Trust assets pursuant to the Trust Distribution Process. See In re Joint Eastern and Southern Districts Asbestos Litigation, 878 F.Supp. 473 (E. & S.D.N.Y. 1995). Prior to trial, one defendant filed for bankruptcy protection and the court dismissed several others from the actions in which they were named. At the commencement of trial, Plaintiffs’ claims against the Trust remained open. The Trust had not reached a settlement with any of the plaintiffs.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
April 25, 2024
Dubai

Law firms & in-house legal departments with a presence in the middle east celebrate outstanding achievement within the profession.


Learn More
April 29, 2024 - May 01, 2024
Aurora, CO

The premier educational and networking event for employee benefits brokers and agents.


Learn More
May 15, 2024
Philadelphia, PA

The Legal Intelligencer honors lawyers leaving a mark on the legal community in Pennsylvania and Delaware.


Learn More

A large and well-established Tampa company is seeking a contracts administrator to support the company's in-house attorney and manage a wide...


Apply Now ›

We are seeking an attorney to join our commercial finance practice in either our Stamford, Hartford or New Haven offices. Candidates should ...


Apply Now ›

We are seeking an attorney to join our corporate and transactional practice. Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of general corporat...


Apply Now ›
04/15/2024
Connecticut Law Tribune

MELICK & PORTER, LLP PROMOTES CONNECTICUT PARTNERS HOLLY ROGERS, STEVEN BANKS, and ALEXANDER AHRENS


View Announcement ›
04/11/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
04/08/2024
Daily Report

Daily Report 1/2 Page Professional Announcement 60 Days


View Announcement ›