Parties Set to Square Off over Premises Argument in Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA - A closely-watched argument over whether a premises owner can be found liable for an independent contractor's alleged asbestos-related injuries has been briefed and is scheduled for argument in Pennsylvania Superior Court later this summer. Gutteridge v. A.P. Green Services, Inc., et al., No. 132 EDA 2001 (Pa. Super. Ct.).

In briefs filed recently, Hope Gutteridge claims that a Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas judge erred when he ignored product identification testimony showing the extent to which Gutteridge's husband was exposed to asbestos and that the court similarly erred in subsequently granting summary judgment to Pennsylvania Energy Co. (PECO) …