Louisiana Supreme Court Vacates Asbestos Fear of Cancer Award

NEW ORLEANS - A state Supreme Court has reversed a decision to award several homeowners damages for fear and emotional distress they allegedly suffered after asbestos-containing soil was deposited on their property from a nearby industrial site. Bonnette, et al. v. Conoco, Inc., et al., No. 01-C-2767 (La. Sup. Ct.).

In a decision released Jan. 28, the Louisiana Supreme Court said that because there was no evidence that any of the homeowners currently has an asbestos-related disease, or that any have been exposed to enough asbestos from the soil to cause disease, it was unreasonable for the trial court to …