Malignant mesothelioma lawsuits often feel like David and Goliath battles, pitting everyday citizens against corporate giants. That must certainly be the case for the family of Ann Stadtler, whose quest for justice has them facing off against the Westinghouse company. The family was recently handed a win when the Superior Court of Rhode Island granted their motion to compel the company to produce the documents they were seeking and denied the company’s request for summary judgment.
Woman’s Mesothelioma Blamed on Take-Home Exposure to Asbestos
Mrs. Stadtler’s family traces her malignant mesothelioma to the years between 1948 and 1965, when she was exposed to asbestos that her stepfather carried home on his clothes from his work as a union insulator. Charles Ferguson’s job took him to power stations throughout New England, and this led the family to request documents from Westinghouse about asbestos-contaminated equipment at those stations.
When Westinghouse initially responded, they told the mesothelioma victim’s family that they’d manufactured and sold turbines at numerous stations, but then later indicated that they would only “produce documents relative to the turbines at the Narragansett Electric Stations, where Charles Ferguson testified he worked on turbines.” They then submitted the requested information, but only for two stations. At the same time the company moved for the case against them to be dismissed.
Mesothelioma Victim’s Family Ask Court’s Assistance
Confronted with Westinghouse’s refusal to provide the information they needed, the mesothelioma victim’s family filed a motion to stop the court from dismissing the case and to compel Westinghouse to deliver the requested documents. They argued that the information they’re seeking is directly related to their case because Westinghouse had already indicated that their products were in place at the stations where Ferguson had worked. They also indicated that the information would be helpful in their claims against other defendants.
Though Westinghouse argued that, even if supplied, the documents requested would not be admissible in the eventual mesothelioma trial, the court sided with Mrs. Stadtler’s family and ordered that the information be provided. They cited precedent while also pointing out that the company’s steam turbine generator units contained asbestos insulation and that documents related to products where Ferguson had worked were “relevant.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help you through your journey. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
