R.I. Court: Joint Tortfeasors Act Doesn’t Extend to Asbestos Bankrupt Companies; Plaintiffs Don’t Have to Produce Claim Forms

PROVIDENCE, R.I. –– A Rhode Island court has held that the state’s Contribution Among Joint Tortfeasors Act does not extend to bankrupt companies since an asbestos plaintiff could not pursue a civil action against the parties.

In its July 15 opinion, the Rhode Island Superior Court also held that since the defendant cannot produce evidence at trial regarding the liability of those bankrupt entities, the plaintiff does not have to produce bankruptcy trust claim forms.

The court did hold, however, that Crane Co. could produce evidence of comparative fault of companies that had reached settlement agreements with the asbestos …