P.M. BRIEFING : U.S. Exempted in Asbestos Case
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court today barred asbestos manufacturers from suing the government to recover money they paid to a Navy shipyard worker injured by inhaling the product.
The court, without comment, rejected an appeal by two manufacturers in a case from Washington state.
Albert Lopez worked as a pipe fitter, pipe coverer and insulator at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Washington from 1947 to 1984. Eagle-Picher Industries Inc. settled a claim against it by paying Lopez $10,000. Raymark Industries Inc. did the same for $7,200.
Both manufacturers supplied asbestos to the Navy to insulate ships.
Lopez’s claims were used in the lower courts as a test case of the government’s liability for injuries suffered by shipyard workers. The Bush Administration urged the Supreme Court to reject the companies’ appeal.
Inside the business of entertainment
The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
