The Washington Supreme Court has recently ruled on two cases calling into question the accountability a company should have regarding products manufactured by them that have asbestos materials added to them after production. The plaintiffs in the two cases were Joseph Simonetta and Vernon Braaten who both have previously worked aboard naval ships.

Both men have developed fatal diseases caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos was used in a variety of building and automotive materials for many years throughout the early to mid twentieth century. It was discovered in the 1970’s that asbestos was dangerous if exposed to and the government began to regulate its use and handling.

Joseph Simonetta was diagnosed with lung cancer thought to be caused by working with equipment used to take salt out of sea water.

Vernon Braaten was diagnosed with mesothelioma thought to be the result of his work as a pipefitter.

According to the Simonetta suit the evaporators that were used to remove the salt were manufactured by Griscom Russell and then sent off and insulated with asbestos-containing materials before being sent to companies for use.

In the Braaten suit it is stated that the pumps and valves used by Braaten were manufactured by an outside company and then insulated by the Navy with asbestos insulation.

The Washington Supreme Court ruled in both cases that the defendant companies could not be held liable for the men’s development of asbestos-related diseases due to the fact that they did not manufacture, distribute, or sell the asbestos that was present in the products.

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