Del. Judge Rejects Crane Co. Motion Based on Bare Metal Defense

WILMINGTON, Del. - A federal judge in Delaware has denied a motion for summary judgment filed by Crane Co. after the defendant asserted the bare metal defense against claims that asbestos-containing components used with its valves caused a plaintiff's mesothelioma. Pease v. Ford Motor Co., et al., No. 08-624 (D. Del.).

Adopting the recommendation of Special Master Vincent J. Poppiti, U.S. District Court Judge Sue L. Robinson held April 27 that there exist fact issues as to whether Crane's product contained asbestos and whether it was a substantial factor in plaintiff Herbert Pease's asbestos-related injury. Judge Robinson commented that the …