‘Bare Metal’ Defendants Had No Duty to Warn Naval Fireman, Fla. Judge Rules

MIAMI — Pump, valve and turbine manufacturers that were not in the distribution chain of asbestos-containing insulation incorporated into their products cannot be held responsible for injuries suffered by a U.S. Navy fireman exposed to asbestos from the products, a federal judge in Florida has ruled. Faddish v. Buffalo Pumps, et al., No. 08-80724 (S.D. Fla.).

Judge Daniel T.K. Hurley of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida ruled Aug. 2 that neither state nor maritime products liability law imposes a duty to warn, whether premised in negligence or strict liability, for hazards arising exclusively from another …