N.Y. Court Vacates Verdict in Part, Orders New Trial on Recklessness Claim in Asbestos Case Against Crane Co.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. –– A New York appellate court has vacated a judgment entered in an asbestos case against Crane Co., agreeing with the defendant that the trial court erred when instructing the jury on the plaintiffs’ claim that the defendant acted with reckless disregard for the decedent’s safety.

In its July 8 order, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Judicial Department, granted Crane Co. a new trial on that specific claim, in part opining that the jury instruction used by the court effectively reduced the plaintiff’s burden of proof on her claim.

The underlying claims were brought on …