R.I. Court Denies Efforts to Toss Asbestos Claims Against Kiln, Paint Manufacturers

PROVIDENCE, R.I. –– A Rhode Island court has rejected efforts by kiln and paint and clay manufacturers to obtain summary judgment in an asbestos exposure suit, concluding that the plaintiff had submitted enough evidence to support product identification.

In reaching that conclusion in its Oct. 19 order, the Rhode Island Superior Court relied on an affidavit proffered by the plaintiff’s daughter, rejecting one of the defendant’s position that the document should be thrown out as a “sham affidavit.”

Plaintiff Loretta Belac filed the underlying complaint, contending that during her career crafting ceramics as part of a home business, she was …