Court Finds No Intentional Tort, Limits Plaintiffs to Workers' Comp Damages

LAKE CHARLES, La. - A Louisiana court has ruled that the exclusive remedy for welders and pipe fitters seeking damages for alleged exposure to asbestos is in workers' compensation, stating that the plaintiffs failed to present any facts that their employer consciously desired that they be exposed to asbestos. Vidrine, et al. v. Constructors Inc., et al., No. 06-544; Bertrand, et al. v. Moore, et al., No. 06-545 (La. Ct. App., 3rd Cir.).

In a March 21 opinion affirming the trial court's finding of no intentional tort on behalf of the plaintiffs' employer, Constructors Inc., Louisiana's 3rd Circuit Court of …