Boeing Sheds Asbestos Death Claims, Parts-Maker Must Defend Them

Boeing Co. won—for now—dismissal of strict liability and negligence claims brought by the heirs of a man whose death was allegedly caused by asbestos-induced lung cancer, but their claims against airplane parts-maker Morton International LLC can proceed, a federal court ruled.

The plaintiffs failed to show that the court has personal jurisdiction over Boeing, Judge Audrey G. Fleissig of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri said Tuesday. The heirs may, however, move forward with their claims against Morton, Fleissig said, because they successfully alleged the company’s conduct in Missouri “is related to the underlying controversy,” and ...