R.I. Court Defers Ruling on Summary Judgment Motion; Orders Further Discovery on Whether Defendants Specified Use of Asbestos Products

PROVIDENCE –– A Rhode Island trial court has deferred ruling on a motion for summary judgment, saying the plaintiffs should be permitted to conduct additional discovery on the issue of whether the defendants specified the use of asbestos-containing products in the construction of vessels on which the plaintiff worked.

In the July 30 order, the Rhode Island Superior Court gave the plaintiff three months to complete depositions with his former employer.

The plaintiffs contended in their lawsuit that John Joseph Souza’s work as a carpenter, welder, finishing crane operator, and yard foreman at Blount Marine Corp. for more than 40 …