R.I. Court Splits on Applying Statute of Repose to Asbestos Claims

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Rhode Island Superior Court has drawn the line between what constitutes an improvement to real property for the purposes of applying the state's 10-year statute of repose to asbestos products liability suits. In Re: Asbestos Litigation Margaret Cambra v. ABB, Inc., et al., No. 01-4147, 99-2703 (R.I. Super. Ct.)

In an analysis of two cases, the court determined that servicing an already installed pump does not subject a plaintiff's claim to preclusion under the statute; however, the statute may be applied to afford a defendant immunity where the claim arises from injuries sustained while installing and …