Raw Asbestos Fiber Considered 'Product' Under Calif. Law, Court Rules

SAN FRANCISCO -- A California Court of Appeal has upheld a trial court's determination that defendant Union Carbide's asbestos fiber is considered a 'product' for the purposes of general orders governing expedited motions for summary judgment. John v. Union Carbide, No. A104599 (Calif. Ct. App., 1st Dist., Div. 3).

In a Sept. 24 decision, the Third Division of the First District of the California Court of Appeal affirmed the award of summary judgment to Union Carbide and also ruled that the plaintiffs' counsel's violation of a filing deadline did not constitute excusable neglect.

Plaintiff Chris John and several of his …