Kaiser's Efforts to Use Statute of Repose as Defense in R.I. Case Rejected

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A Rhode Island court has rejected an asbestos defendant's efforts to use the state's statute of repose as a shield against mesothelioma claims, opining that the Legislature did not intend for manufacturers who may have concealed the safety of products to be protected under the statute. Quackenbos, et al. v. American Optical Corp., et al., No. PC 04-6504 (R.I. Super. Ct.).

In the Jan. 17 decision, the Rhode Island Superior Court concluded that the Legislature did not want to protect manufacturers not involved in specific construction or improvement projects under the statute.

Phyllis Quackenbos first filed …