N.Y. Court Allows Claims to Proceed, Rejects Component Parts Argument

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A New York trial court has denied summary judgment to a defendant who claimed that it could not be held liable for dangers associated with component parts later affixed to its products, determining that there was no New York precedent on point. Webb, et al. v. A.O. Smith Water Products Inc., et al., No. 2008/9199 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., Erie Cty.).

In the Jan. 25 opinion, the New York Supreme Court for Eire County agreed with the plaintiffs that Crane Co.'s products were built in a way that would require the use of exterior insulation and, therefore, asbestos …