Washington Appellate Court Reverses Summary Judgment for Defendant in Asbestos Concrete Pipe Case

SEATTLE –– A Washington appellate court has reversed a summary judgment award entered in favor of an asbestos defendant, ruling that the plaintiffs had presented enough evidence to establish a prima facie case.

In the Dec. 23 opinion, the Washington Court of Appeals, Division 1, further opined that any contradictory testimony should be assessed by a trier of fact.

The plaintiffs contend that Thomas Montaney developed mesothelioma after he was exposed to asbestos concrete pipe during his employment with the Cedar River Water and Sewer District.

Montaney testified that he purchased the pipe products from two manufacturers: Johns-Manville …