R.I. Judge Says Statute of Repose Doesn't Except Asbestos-Related Claims

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A Rhode Island judge has awarded summary judgment to construction companies in a worker's personal injury exposure suit, finding the claims are barred by the state's statute of repose. Cote, et al. v. E. Turgeon Construction Corp., et al., No. PC 04-4964 (R.I. Super. Ct., Providence Cty.).

Associate Justice Alice Bridget Gibney of the Providence County Superior Court said in an Oct. 17 order that Rhode Island's Statute of Repose (G.L. 1956 § 9-1-29) bars claims against contractors filed more than 10 years after the substantial completion of an improvement to real property.

Former sheet metal worker …