Texas Supreme Court Rejects Retroactive Application of Successor Liability Cap

AUSTIN, Texas -- The Texas Supreme Court has reversed a lower court ruling that allowed the retroactive application of legislation limiting successor companies' liability in asbestos cases. Robinson, et al. v. Crown Cork & Seal Inc., et al., No. 06-0714 (Texas Sup. Ct.).

In the Oct. 22 opinion, the high court found that the legislation substantially impacted the plaintiffs' claims and that the legislation did not serve the public interest.

The underlying claims, filed by John and Barbara Robinson, argue that John Robinson's exposure to asbestos while serving in the U.S. Navy caused him to develop mesothelioma.

The Robinson's named …