N.J. Judge Awards $90.5 Million in 11 Asbestos Cases Against Foreign Defendants

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. –– The judge overseeing New Jersey’s coordinated asbestos docket has awarded $90.5 million in 11 cases against two foreign defendants that never lodged an appearance in the litigation.

Judge Ann C. Viscomi of the New Jersey Superior Court for Middlesex County issued the order orally on July 2, sources told HarrisMartin. Defendants Anova Holdings, AG and Becon AG –– both successors to Eternit –– were the lone remaining defendants at the time of the verdict.

Anova and Becon never answered the complaints, sources said. As such, the plaintiffs obtained a default, and then a default judgment. The …