Calif. Appellate Court Reverses Order, Says Michigan Law is Applicable to Asbestos Claims Against Boiler Defendant

LOS ANGELES –– A California appellate court has reversed an order denying a motion to apply Michigan law to claims asserted against a boiler defendant, saying that, under the governmental interest analysis of the choice of law issue, Michigan law was, in fact, applicable.

In the March 24 order, the California Second District Court of Appeal explained that the laws of the two states differ dramatically and, ultimately, Michigan’s interests would be more impaired than California’s.

Plaintiff Robert Swanson asserted the asbestos-related claims, contending that while living in Michigan, he worked as a plumber and pipefitter for Thomas Heating & …