Chevron Mesothelioma Suit Stays on Track Even After Settlement

Chevron Corp. failed to shake wrongful death claims by the estate of a worker who died of mesothelioma decades after settling asbestos claims with the oil company’s predecessor.

The two-decade-old release of asbestos-related claims didn’t mention mesothelioma, New York’s high court said in refusing to dismiss the case.

It was unclear whether the 1997 release was limited to then-existing claims for non-malignant pulmonary disease, or extended to all future asbestos-related disease, the New York Court of Appeals ruled Feb. 21.

Mason South worked as a merchant marine from 1945 until 1982. From 1953 until 1955, South worked aboard ships owned ...