'De Minimus' Exposure to Ford Brakes a Question for Jury, Judge Says

NEW YORK - A New York judge has refused to award summary judgment to Ford Motor Co. in an asbestos lung cancer case brought by a former mechanic who changed asbestos-containing brakes in cars manufactured by the company. Prange v. Anchor Packing Co., et al., No. 190226/10 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., New York Cty.).

In an opinion filed July 22, New York County Supreme Court Judge Sherry Klein Heitler said a jury will be required to draw its own conclusions from circumstances surrounding Wilhelm Prange's development of lung cancer, including his myriad occupational asbestos exposures and smoking history.

"While causation may …