N.Y. Appellate Court Dismisses Complaint Against Ford Motor UK in Asbestos Action

NEW YORK –– A New York appellate court has reversed a trial court’s decision not to award summary judgment to Ford Motor UK in an asbestos case, determining that there is, in fact, a lack of personal jurisdiction over the foreign defendant.

In the same Feb. 26 order, however, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department declined to award summary judgment to Ford Motor USA, saying that the defendant could be held liable for its role in organizing the distribution of asbestos-containing auto parts.

Raymond Finerty filed the underlying action, contending that his peritoneal malignant mesothelioma was …