N.Y. Court Awards Summary Judgment to Asbestos Defendant in Cosmetic Talc Suit

NEW YORK –– A New York court has awarded summary judgment to a defendant named in a cosmetic talcum powder asbestos lawsuit, finding in part that the company did not assume the liabilities of the manufacturer when a transaction involving assets occurred.

In the Sept. 18 decision, the New York Supreme Court for New York County determined that the asset purchase did not constitute one of four exceptions to the state’s successor liability rule.

The plaintiffs asserted the claims on behalf of Michelle Germain, contending that her epithelial mesothelioma was caused by exposure to asbestos-containing talcum powder products. The plaintiffs …