Mo. Court Dismisses Crane Co. from Asbestos Suit, Says Claims Barred by Collateral Estoppel

ST. LOUIS –– A Missouri federal court has dismissed asbestos claims asserted against Crane Co., concluding that they were barred by collateral estoppel since the defendant had been awarded summary judgment in a Massachusetts action asserted by the same plaintiffs.

In the March 8 order, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri found that the decedent had had a “full and fair” opportunity to litigate the claim against Crane Co. in the Massachusetts action.

The plaintiffs asserted the claims on behalf of Berj Hovsepian, contending that he was exposed to asbestos-containing products while working as a civilian …