Wash. Court Affirms Dismissal of Asbestos Claims Against Pulp Company, Says Alaska Statute of Repose Applies

TACOMA, Wash. –– A Washington appellate court has affirmed the dismissal of asbestos claims against a pulp company, finding that the plaintiff had failed to prove that the underlying claims satisfied an exception to the Alaska statue of repose.

In the Aug. 20 opinion, the Washington Court of Appeals, Division II, opined that the evidence proffered by the plaintiff raised an issue of ordinary inadvertence or inattention, “but more is needed to establish gross negligence under Alaska law.”

Plaintiff Larry Hoffman asserted the underlying claims, contending that he developed mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products. Hoffman stated …