Calif. Appellate Court Orders Asbestos Retrial, Says ‘Minor’ Difference in Study Methodology Not Enough to Justify Directed Verdict Order

LOS ANGELES –– A California appellate court has reversed an order granting American Biltrite Inc. directed verdict at the close of plaintiffs’ evidence in an asbestos trial, finding that a “minor difference” in study methodology was not enough to justify a directed verdict in favor of the defendant.

In the June 19 order, the California Court of Appeals, Second District, opined that the plaintiffs had presented sufficient exposure and causation evidence to support a verdict in their favor.

The plaintiffs asserted the claims on behalf of Robert Friedman, contending that he developed mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing …