Walsworth Secures Summary Judgment for Automotive Company Defendant

Walsworth Senior Counsel Emily Anselmo secured a defense win in Alameda County, with the court granting summary judgment for the firm’s client, an automotive company, in a wrongful death and survival action alleging asbestos exposure.

The plaintiffs alleged the decedent developed mesothelioma after purported exposure to asbestos-containing automotive and aircraft components during decades of work as a mechanic, serviceman, and supervisor, as well as through personal vehicle maintenance. Walsworth demonstrated that the plaintiffs lacked evidence identifying any asbestos-containing products attributable to the automotive company or establishing that the products were a substantial factor in causing the decedent’s illness.

The court agreed, finding the plaintiffs’ discovery responses were factually devoid and failed to identify specific products, locations, or witnesses supporting their claims. With no evidence tying the decedent’s alleged asbestos exposure to the automotive company’s products, the plaintiffs failed to raise any factual disputes requiring a trial, and the court granted summary judgment.