Posted on October 8, 2018
Supreme Court of the United States Case No. 17-1104 for the Petitioners
Supreme Court of the United States Case No. 17-1104 for the Respondents
On October 10, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Air and Liquid Systems, Corp v. Devries, (Docket number 17-1104). as to “Can products-liability defendants be held liable under maritime law for injuries caused by products that they did not make, sell, or distribute?
Roberta G. Devries and Shirley McAfee, allege their deceased husbands, John and Kenneth, were exposed to asbestos in the United States Navy.
Under general maritime negligence law, the Supreme Court will hear arguments as to if a manufacturer has a duty to warn users of the known hazards arising from the expected and intended use of its own product.
For more than a century, asbestos exposure has been known to cause disease and death. Exposures in the Navy were far too common, as asbestos containing insulation and components were often found in the ship’s engines, pumps, boilers, blowers, generators, switchboards, steam traps, and other devices.
I’m certain neither John or Kenneth knew that the navy ships were riddled with asbestos when they were serving our country.
As the Supreme Court hears this important case, it is important to know that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) still allows for new imports and use of asbestos. On a side note, this will be Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s 2nd day on the bench.
Linda Reinstein