Metal Suppliers Urge Calif. Appellate Court to Uphold Raw Materials Defense

LOS ANGELES - A California appellate court is considering arguments made last month in a California man's bid to reinstate his claims against suppliers of raw metals that he says created toxic dust during fabrication in his employer's shop and caused his serious lung disease. Maxton v. Western States Metals, et al., No. B227000 (Calif. Ct. of App., 2nd Dist.).

The Second Appellate District heard argument from attorneys for John Maxton and Alcoa Inc. and other suppliers on Aug. 10 after the parties submitted briefing on the Los Angeles Superior Court's decision to sustain Western States' demurrers and dismiss …