Wash. Court Applies Maritime Law, Allows Plaintiffs to Amend Asbestos Suit Scheduled for Nov. Trial

SEATTLE –– A Washington federal court has issued two orders in a pending asbestos suit, applying maritime law to the claims and allowing the plaintiffs to amend their suit in order to bring a claim for punitive damages.

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington issued the orders on Oct. 21 and 22, weighing in on the remaining issues of the case, which is scheduled for Nov. 16.

Plaintiffs Glenn and Betty Hassebrock filed the underlying complaint, contending that Gleen Hassebrock encountered asbestos-containing products while working as an apprentice and journeyman pipefitter at the Puget Sound Naval …