Ford Must Defend Mechanic’s Asbestos Exposure Claims

Ford Motor Co. failed to shake off the bulk of asbestos exposure claims filed by estate of mechanic who died of mesothelioma.

The estate of Victor Michel may go forward with product liability claims against Ford, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana said May 23.

The estate may also pursue wrongful death claims against Ford as the owner of the premises in which Michel worked while employed at Crescent Ford, the court said.

But wrongful death claims against Ford as Michel’s employer are barred by the state workers’ compensation law, the court said.

The court rejected ...