Court Allows Testimony Despite Defendants' Absence at Deposition

NEW YORK -- A New York judge has ruled that the testimony of an asbestos plaintiff is admissible in court, despite the fact that one of the defendants was not present at the plaintiff's deposition, sources told HarrisMartin. Shafer v. Atlas Turner, et al., No. 108297/2003 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., 1st Jud. Dist.).

In the June 13 decision, Justice Martin Shulman of the New York Supreme Court First Judicial District rejected an in limine motion made by John Crane to partially exclude the testimony of the plaintiff. Trial is scheduled to begin in July, sources added.

Leonard Shafer claims he developed …