R.I. Court Denies Summary Judgment to Crane Co. in Asbestos Replacement Parts Dispute, Says Danger was ‘Reasonably Foreseeable’

PROVIDENCE, R.I. –– A Rhode Island court has in part rejected asbestos defendant Crane Co.’s attempts to obtain summary judgment on grounds that it could not be held liable for third-party replacement parts, ruling that the plaintiffs’ claims survive since the danger was “reasonably foreseeable” to the defendant.

In the March 7 decision, the Rhode Island Superior Court did award summary judgment to the defendant on the plaintiffs’ civil conspiracy claim.

The plaintiffs contend that Douglas Sweredoski was exposed to asbestos while stationed on the U.S.S. Independence for two years. While on board, the plaintiff worked as a fireman …