Judge Precludes Testimony that 'Any' Exposure is Substantial Factor

SEATTLE -- A Washington court has precluded Dr. Samuel Hammar from testifying that any exposure to asbestos is a substantial contributing factor in mesothelioma development, ruling that the plaintiff expert's hypothesis is not supported by "replicable, scientific methodology." Free v. Ametek, et al., No. 07-2-04091-9 SEA (Wash. Super. Ct., King Cty.).

Judge Suzanne M. Barnett of the Washington Superior Court for King County reached the decision on Feb. 29, after having presided over two-and-a-half days of oral argument addressing Frye admissibility challenges.

Judge Barnett also precluded plaintiff experts Carl Brodkin, M.D., M.P.H., and Arnold Brody, Ph.D., from making similar assertions, …