Judge Consolidates Non-Fatal Asbestosis Cases, Severs Cancer Claims

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - A state trial court judge in New York has granted a motion to sever a multi-plaintiff asbestos case, except where plaintiffs allege that they have been diagnosed with non-malignant diseases. Kiefer, et al. v. A.P. Green Industries, Inc., No. 00/03485 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., Monroe Cty.).

According to a May 7 decision by Judge Raymond E. Cornelius, the claims of three plaintiffs who allegedly developed non-malignant disease as a result of their exposure to asbestos at the Xerox facility can be tried together without undue prejudice to the defendants.

'However, the combinations of factors involving the different types …