R.I. Supreme Ct. Affirms Judgment for Landlord in Asbestos Floor Tile Case Brought by Tenant

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Rhode Island Supreme Court has affirmed a grant of summary judgment entered in favor of a landlord by the state superior court in a tenant's suit arising from alleged asbestos-laden kitchen floor tiles in her apartment. Kelley v. Cowesett Hills Associates, No. 99-419 (R.I. Sup. Ct.).

Loraine A. Kelley filed suit against her landlord, the Cowesett Hills Apartments, alleging negligence, assault and battery and deceptive trade practices.

The state high court on March 30 agreed with the trial court that in the absence of any physical manifestation of asbestos-related illness or disease, Kelley could not establish …