Wis. Federal Court Denies Owens-Illinois’ Motion for Summary Judgment in Asbestos Action

MADISON, Wis. –– A Wisconsin federal court has rejected challenges to a mesothelioma case, saying in part that issue preclusion did not bar the claims since a settlement does not determine an issue for the purpose of preclusion.

In the Sept. 9 opinion, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin also held that two of Owens-Illinois’ other arguments were “mischaracterized.”

Plaintiff Gary Suoja asserted the asbestos-related claims on behalf of Oswald F. Suoja.

Owens-Illinois moved to dismiss the complaint, saying the action was moot, that the plaintiff lacked standing and the issue preclusion bars the claims. …