Sixth Circuit Affirms Dismissal of Merchant Mariner's Claims Against Shipbuilder, Turbine Makers

CINCINATTI - The Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has affirmed a decision by a federal court in Ohio, dismissing five defendants named in an asbestos products liability suit filed by a former merchant mariner who suffers from mesothelioma. Stark v. Armstrong World Industries, et al., No. 00-3388 (6th Cir.).

Affirming summary judgment in favor of the defendants, the federal appeals panel ruled Oct. 3 that plaintiff William Stark failed in his attempt to convince the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio that his condition was due to defects in the design of the ship upon which …