Summary Judgment Reversed, Court Says Premises Owner Had Duty to Non-Employee

TRENTON, N.J. -- An Appeals Court has reversed an award of summary judgment to asbestos defendant ExxonMobil, finding that the premises owner owes a duty to the wife of a former employee. Olivo v. ExxonMobil Corp. et al., No. A-4328-03T5 (N.J. App. Div.).

The May 5 opinion by the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court was approved for publication on the same day.

Plaintiff Anthony Olivo filed the lawsuit on behalf of himself and his deceased wife, claiming that his work as a welder and steamfitter exposed him to asbestos. Olivo claims his wife, who died one year …