Court Allows Testimony Linking Friction Products and Asbestos Illnesses

WILMINGTON, Del. -- A Delaware Court has rejected an attempt to preclude causation witnesses from testifying that friction products cause asbestos-related diseases, opining that the proper method for attacking these witnesses is through 'vigorous cross examination.' In re: Asbestos Litigation, C.A. No. 77C-ASB-2 (Del. Super. Ct., New Castle Cty.).

The Delaware Superior Court for New Castle County issued the 75-page opinion on May 9, determining that such testimony passes the Daubert filter.

'The Court finds plaintiffs' medical and scientific evidence that exposure to friction products increases the risk of contracting an asbestos-related disease is sufficiently reliable to pass through …