Wis. Judge Holds Firm on Workers’ Comp Act Ruling, Permits Community Asbestos Exposure Claims

MADISON, Wis. –– A Wisconsin judge won’t revisit decisions dismissing several asbestos claims against Weyerhaeuser Co. based on the exclusivity provision of the state Workers’ Compensation Act, but said he will permit the plaintiffs to assert new allegations of “community exposure.”

The Nov. 4 decision denying a motion to reconsider the rulings also will allow two of the six plaintiffs to assert strict liability and negligence claims against Owens-Illinois based on their alleged exposure to Kaylo door cores that were sold to Weyerhaeuser. All other claims against Owens-Illinois remain dismissed, according to the decision.

The plaintiffs moved for reconsideration of …