Court Says Cancer Claims Separate from Prior Fear of Cancer Claims

PHILADELPHIA -- The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has reversed an award of summary judgment to John Crane in two asbestos cases, ruling that the plaintiffs' prior risk of cancer claims against other defendants does not preclude a current lawsuit against John Crane for actual cancer. Abrams v. Pneumo Abex Corp., et al., No. 17 EAP 2008 (Pa. Sup. Ct., Eastern Dist.).

In its Oct. 21 opinion, the high court found that the plaintiffs' actions against John Crane were separate and distinct from prior lawsuits asserted in the 1980s that included claims for risk or fear of developing cancer.

The case …