Equitable Tolling Allows Widow to Continue Chemical Exposure Suit

LOS ANGELES - A California appellate court has reinstated a widow's wrongful death lawsuit against her late husband's former employer and various chemical suppliers she blames for his death despite its late filing, saying the equitable tolling doctrine applies. Cook v. Gallade Chemical Inc., et al., No. B213955 (Calif. Ct. App., 2nd Dist.).

California's Second Appellate District reversed a trial court ruling in part, holding that Danielle Cook met the test to toll claims against all but two late-named defendants.

Cook filed the insant lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court in March 2008 on behalf of herself and her …