9th Circuit Reverses Summary Judgment Award for U.S. Government in Asbestos Case

SAN FRANCISCO -- The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has reversed an award of summary judgment to the U.S. Government, finding that there was sufficient evidence to support claims that the U.S. Navy did not comply with containment regulations in the 1970s at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

In the May 16 order, the 9th Circuit additionally determined that the evidence would support a factfinder’s conclusion that the plaintiff was exposed to a substantial amount of asbestos fibers from the location.

Roger and Carol Botts asserted the underlying claims, contending that Roger Botts developed mesothelioma as a result …