Mental Anguish Claim Barred In Louisiana Family’s Mesothelioma Suit

The family of a woman who died from mesothelioma can’t pursue a claim for mental pain and anguish against Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Inc. for her exposure to asbestos at a Louisiana shipyard, the Eastern District of Louisiana ruled June 8 (Vedros v. Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Inc., E.D. La., 11-CV-01198, 6/8/15).

Louisiana’s recognition of claims for mental anguish for witnessing an injury to a third party doesn’t extend to witnessing the progression of a disease, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana said.

The decision by Judge Carl Barbier comes less than three weeks after ...