Court: Knowledge of Asbestos Doesn't Mean Defendant Intended to Injure

SEATTLE -- A Court of Appeals has affirmed an award of summary judgment to defendants in an asbestos lawsuit, finding that although the defendant possessed knowledge of asbestos dangers, the defendant could not have reasonably been aware that injury caused by exposure to the fiber was certain. Shellenbarger, et al. v. Longview Fibre Co., et al., No. 53418-1-I (Wash. Ct. App.).

On Nov. 8, Division One of the Washington Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court ruling granting summary judgment to the defendants in the lawsuit, after determining that the plaintiffs' claims were not exempt from a Washington Act precluding …