Evans v. Flowserve U.S. Inc.

239 F. Supp. 3d 838, 2017 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 33873, 2017 WL 927614

• Court: District Court, D. Delaware
• Decided: March 8, 2017
• Docket: Civ. No. 15-681-SLR-SRF
• Status: Published

Opinion

ORDER

Sue L. Robinson, Senior United States District Judge

At Wilmington this 8th day of March, 2017, having considered the Report and Recommendation issued by United States Magistrate Judge Sherry R. Fallon on February 15,2017, and upon the expiration of the time allowed for objections pursuant to Rule 72 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure with no objections having been filed;

IT IS ORDERED that:

1. Magistrate Judge Fallon’s Report and Recommendation (D.1.207) is adopted.

2. Defendants Gardner Denver, Inc. (D.I. 146), Flowserve U.S., Inc. (D.I. 149), Atwood & Morrill Company, Inc. (D.I. 160), and Nash Engineering Company (D.I. 161) motions for summary judgment are granted.

Attachment

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE

IN RE: ASBESTOS LITIGATION ICOM HENRY EVANS, and JOHANNA ELAINE EVANS, Plaintiffs,

v.

ALFA LAVAL, INC., et al. Defendants.

Civil Action No. 15-681-SLR-SRF

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION

I. INTRODUCTION

This Report and Recommendation is limited to four pending motions for summary judgment in this asbestos-related personal injury action. The motions were filed by Defendants, Gardner Denver, Inc. (“Gardner Denver”) (D.I. 146), Flowserve US Inc.¹ (“Flowserve”) (D.I. 149), Atwood & Morrill Company, Inc. (“Atwood”) (D.I,-160), and Nash Engineering Company (“Nash”) (D.I. 161) (collectively ‘iDefen-dants”). As indicated in the chart, infra, and for the reasons set forth below, the court recommends granting Defendants’ motions for summary judgment.

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II. BACKGROUND

A. Procedural History

Icom Henry Evans and Johanna Elaine Evans (“Plaintiffs”) filed this asbestos action in the Delaware Superior Court against multiple defendants on June 11, 2015, asserting claims regarding Mr. Evans’ alleged harmful exposure to asbestos. (D.I, 1 at ¶ 1) Defendant Foster Wheeler removed the action to this court on August 4, 2015. (D.I. 1) Gardner Denver, Flow-serve, Atwood, and Nash filed motions for summary judgment on October 7, 2016, (D.I. 146, 149, 160, 161) Plaintiffs did not respond to these motions. -On December 30, 2016, counsel for Flowserve sent a letter to the court seeking dismissal for Plaintiffs’ failure to oppose the summary judgment motion. (D.I. 199) Counsel for Gardner Denver filed a similar letter on January 23, 2017.² (D.I. 204)

B. Facts

1. Plaintiff’s alleged exposure history

Plaintiffs allege that Mr, Evans developed mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products during the course of his employment as a fireman and boiler tender with the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1967. (D.I. 1, Ex. A at ¶ 29(a)) Plaintiffs contend that Mr. Evans was injured due to exposure to asbestos-containing products that Defendants manufactured, sold, distributed, licensed, or installed. (Id., Ex. A at ¶ 32) Accordingly, Plaintiffs assert.negligence, strict liability, punitive damages, and loss of consortium claims. (Id., Ex, A)

Mr. Evans was deposed on April 7, 2016. (D.I, 100) Plaintiffs did not produce any other fact or product identification witnesses for deposition.³ Mr, Evans testified that he enlisted in the Navy in July of 1957. (4/7/16 Video Tr. at 20:5-8) After boot camp, he went to a training school for boilermen. (Id. at 20:24-21:8) His training there consisted of learning how to tend and operate boilers on ships. (Id. at 21:7-8)

After training, Mr. Evans was stationed on the USS Kearsarge from 1957 to 1961, (Id. at 22:5-23:9) There, he worked as a boilerman. (Id. at 24:9) On the USS Kear-sarge, Mr. Evans operated and maintained the boilers when repairs were required. (Id. at 26:1-6) He believes he was exposed to asbestos while operating and maintaining the boilers because he worked with asbestos-containing gaskets. (Id. at 28:3— 19)

In 1961, Mr. Evans left the Navy, but re-enlisted a month or so later,, and was assigned to the USS John A. Bole. (Id. 34:15-22) Mr. Evans testified that he had the same duty assignment as he was assigned on the USS Kearsarge. (Id. at 36:17-21) He believes he was exposed to asbestos while hammering out refractory brick inside the boilers. (Id. at 45:13-46:8) While hammering, Mr. Evans noticed particles being released into the air. (Id. at 48:5-49:1)

From the early 1960s and .until the 1990s, Mr. Evans also changed the brakes on automobiles owned by his family. (Id. 91:5-92:4) Mr. Evans believes he was exposed to asbestos while cleaning out the debris inside tire drums. (Id. at 92:5-94:11)

2. Plaintiffs’ product identification evidence

a.Gardner Denver Inc.

Mr, Evans did not identify any products manufactured by Gardner Denver. (See D.1.148)

b.Flowserve US Inc./Edward Valves, Inc.

Mr. Evans not identify any products manufactured by Flowserve, successor-in-interest to Edward Valves. (See D.I. 150) Additionally, Mr. Evans did not identify any products manufactured by Edward Valves. (Id.)

c.Atwood & Morrill Company, Inc.

Mr. Evans did not identify any products manufactured by Atwood. (See D.I. 160)

d.Nash Engineering Company

Mr. Evans did not identify any products manufactured by Nash. (See D.1.161)

III. LEGAL STANDARDS

A. Summary Judgment

“The court shall grant summary judgment if the movant shows that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). Material facts are those that could affect the outcome of the proceeding, and “a dispute about a material fact is ‘genuine’ if the evidence is sufficient to permit a reasonable jury to return a verdict for the non-moving party.” Lamont v. New Jersey, 637 F.3d 177, 181 (3d Cir. 2011) (citing Anderson v. Liberty Lobby Inc., 477 U.S, 242, 248, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986); Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322-23,106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986)).

The moving party bears the initial burden of proving the absence of a genuinely disputed material fact. See Celotex, 477 U.S. at 321, 106 S.Ct. 2548. The burden then shifts to the non-movant to demonstrate the existence of a genuine issue for trial, ánd the court must view the evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party. See Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 587, 106 S.Ct. 1348, 89 L.Ed.2d 538 (1986); Williams v. Borough of West Chester, Pa.,

891 F.2d 458, 460-61 (3d Cir. 1989); Scott v. Harris, 550 U.S. 372, 380, 127 S.Ct. 1769, 167 L.Ed.2d 686 (2007). The non-movant must support its contention by citing to particular documents in the record, by showing that the cited materials do not establish the absence or presence of a genuine dispute, or by showing that an adverse party cannot produce admissible evidence to support the fact. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c)(Z )(A)-(B). The existence of some alleged factual dispute may not be sufficient to deny a motion for summary judgment; rather, there must be enough evidence to enable a jury to reasonably find for the non-moving party on the issue. See Anderson, 477 U.S. at 247-49, 106 S.Ct. 2505. “If the evidence is merely colorable, or is not significantly probative, summary judgment may be granted.” Clark v. Welch, 167 F.Supp.3d 659, 662 (D. Del. 2016). If the non-movant fails to make a sufficient showing on an essential element of its case on which it bears the burden of proof, then the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. See Celotex, 477 U.S. at 322, 106 S.Ct. 2548.

If a party fails to address another party’s assertion of fact, the court may consider the fact undisputed, or grant summary judgment if the facts show that the movant is entitled to it. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(e)(2)— (3).⁴ A plaintiffs failure to respond “is not alone a sufficient basis for the entry of a summary judgment.” Anchorage Assocs. v. Virgin Islands Bd. Of Tax Review, 922 F.2d 168, 175 (3d Cir. 1990). Even where a party does not file a responsive submission to oppose the motion, the court must still find that the undisputed facts warrant judgment as a matter of law. Miller v. Ashcroft, 76 Fed.Appx. 457, 462 (3d Cir. 2003) (citing Fed. R. Civ. P. 56; Lorenzo v. Griffith, 12 F.3d 23, 28 (3d Cir. 1993)). In other words, the court must still determine whether the unopposed motion for summary judgment “has been properly made and supported.” Williams v. Murray, Inc., Civil No. 12-2122, 2014 WL 3783878, *2 (D.N.J. July 31, 2014) (quoting Muskett v. Certegy Check Svcs., Inc., No. 08-3975, 2010 WL 2710555, at *3 (D.N.J. July 6, 2010)).

B. Maritime Law

The parties do not dispute that maritime law applies to all Naval/sea-based claims.⁵ (D.I. 136) To establish cau-

sation in an asbestos claim under maritime law, a plaintiff must show that “(1) he was exposed to the defendant’s product, and (2) the product was a substantial factor⁶ in causing the injury he suffered.” Lindstrom v. A-C Prod. Liab. Trust, 424 F.3d 488, 492 (6th Cir. 2005) (citing Stark v. Armstrong World Indus., Inc., 21 Fed.Appx. 371, 375 (6th Cir. 2001)). Other courts in this Circuit recognize a third element and require a plaintiff to “show that (3) the defendant manufactured or distributed the asbestos-containing product to which exposure is alleged.”⁷ Abbay v. Armstrong Int'l, Inc., E.D. PA Civil Action No. 2:10—CV-83248-ER, 2012 WL 975837, at *1 n.1 (E.D. Pa. Feb. 29, 2012).

“In establishing causation, a plaintiff may rely upon direct evidence... or circumstantial evidence [to] support an inference that there was exposure to the defendant’s product for some length of time.”⁸ Abbay, 2012 WL 975837, at *1 n.1 (citing Stark, 21 Fed.Appx. at 376). On the other hand, “ ‘[mjinimal exposure’ to a defendant’s product is insufficient to establish causation. Likewise, a mere showing that defendant’s product was present somewhere at plaintiff’s place of work is insufficient.” Lindstrom, 424 F.3d at 492 (quoting Stark, 21 Fed.Appx. at 376). “Rather, the plaintiff must show ‘a high enough level of exposure that an inference that the asbestos was a substantial factor in the injury is more than conjectural.’” Abbay, 2012 WL 975837, at *1 n.1 (quoting Lindstrom, 424 F.3d at 492).

IV. Discussion

A. Gardner Denver Inc.

The court recommends granting Gardner Denver’s motion for summary judgment, because there is no genuine issue of material fact in dispute as to whether Mr. Evans was. exposed to an asbestos-containing product made by Gardner Denver. Because Plaintiffs did not produce any evidence tending to establish exposure to Gardner Denver’s products, Plaintiffs fail to meet the “substantial factor” test. Therefore, the court recommends granting summary judgment in favor of Gardner Denver.

B. Flowserve US Inc./Edwards Yalves Inc.

The court recommends granting Flow-serve’s motion for summary judgment, because there is no genuine issue of material fact in dispute as to whether Mr. Evans was exposed to an asbestos-containing product made by Flowserve. Because Plaintiffs did not produce any evidence tending to establish exposure to Flowserve or Edwards Valves products, Plaintiffs fail to meet the “substantial factor” test. Therefore, the court recommends granting summary judgment in favor of Flowserve.

C. Atwood & Morrill Company, Inc.

The court recommends granting Atwood’s motion for summary judgment, because there is no genuine issue of material fact in dispute as to whether Mr. Evans was exposed to an asbestos-containing product made by Atwood. Because Plaintiffs did not produce any evidence tending to establish exposure to Atwood’s products, Plaintiffs fail to meet the “substantial factor” test. Therefore, the court recommends granting summary judgment in favor of Atwood.

The court recommends granting Nash’s motion for summary judgment, because there is no genuine issue of material fact in dispute as to whether Mr. Evans was exposed to an asbestos-containing product made by Nash. Because Plaintiffs did not produce any evidence tending to establish exposure, to Nash’s products, Plaintiffs fail to meet the “substantial factor” test. Therefore, the court recommends granting summary judgment in favor of Nash.

V. Conclusion

For the foregoing reasons, and as addressed in the chart infra, the court recommends granting Defendants’ unopposed motions for summary judgment.

This Report and Recommendation is filed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B), Fed. R. Civ. P. 72(b)(1), and D. Del. LR 72.1. The parties may serve and file spécific written objections within fourteen (14) days after being served with a copy of this Report and Recommendation. Fed. R. Civ. P. 72(b)(2). The objection and responses to the objections are limited to ten (10) pages each. The failure of a party to object to legal conclusions may result in the loss of the right to de novo review in the District Court. See Sincavage v. Barnhart, 171 Fed.Appx. 924, 925 n.1 (3d Cir. 2006); Henderson v. Carlson, 812 F.2d 874, 878-79 (3d Cir. 1987).

The parties are . directed to the court’s Standing Order For Objections Filed Under Fed. R. Civ. P. 72, dated October 9, 2013, a copy of which is available on the court’s website, http://www.ded.uscourts. gov

Sherry R. Fallon, United States Magistrate Judge

1 , Flowserve issued as a successor-in-interest to Edward Valves, Inc. (“Edward Valves”) (D.I. 150 at 1)

2 . ¹ Moving Defendants, Atwood and Nash, did not submit a letter request for dismissal but the court will consider their respective motions which appear pending and unopposed, according to the docket

3 . The deadline to complete depositions of all plaintiffs alleging exposure was January 25, 2016, (D.I. 51 at ¶ 4(c)(iii)) The deadline to complete depositions of all co-worker, product identification, and other exposure testimony witnesses was May 6, 2016. (D.I. 51 at ¶ 4(c)(iv)) The deadline to complete depositions of all fact witnesses was September 2, 2016, (D.I. 51 at ¶ 4(c)(v))

4 . This section was added to Rule 56 to overcome cases in the Third Circuit that impaired the utility of the summary judgment device:

A typical case is as follows: A party supports his motion for summary judgment by affidavits or other evidentiary matters sufficient to show that there is no genuine issue as to a material fact. The adverse party, in opposing tlie motion, does not produce any evidentiary matter, or produces some but not enough to establish that there is a genuine issue for trial. Instead, the adverse party rests on averments of his pleadings which on their face present an issue.

Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(e) advisory committee's note. Before the amendment, the Third Circuit would have denied summary judgment if the averments were "well-pleaded,” and not conclusory. Id. However, the Advisory Corn-mittee noted that summary judgment is meant to pierce the pleadings and to assess proof to see whether there is a genuine need for trial. Id. Accordingly, the pre-amendment Third Circuit precedent was incompatible with the basic purpose of the rule. Id. The amendment recognizes that, "despite the best efforts of counsel to make his pleadings accurate, they may be overwhelmingly contradicted by the proof available to his adversary.” Id. The amendment, however, was not designed to affect the ordinary standard applicable to summary judgment. Id.

5 . For maritime law to apply, a plaintiff's exposure underlying a products liability claim must meet both a locality test and a connection test. In Jerome B. Grubart v. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co., 513 U.S. 527, 115 S.Ct. , 130 L.Ed.2d 1024 (1995), the Supreme Court defined these tests as follows:

A court applying the location test must determine whether the tort occurred on navigable water or whether injury suffered on land was caused by a vessel on navigable water. The connection test raises two issues. A court, first, must "assess the general features of the type of incident involved,” to determine whether the incident has "a potentially disruptive impact on maritime commerce[.]” Second, a court must determine whether "the general character” of the "activity giving rise to the incident” shows a "substantial relationship to traditional maritime activity.”

513 U.S. at 534, 115 S.Ct. 1043 (internal citations omitted).

6 . "Maritime law incorporates traditional ‘substantial factor’ causation principles, and courts often look to the Restatement (Second) of Torts for a more helpful definition.” Delatte v. A. W. Chesterton Co., E.D. PA Civil Action No. 2:09-69578, 2011 WL 11439126, at *1 n.1 (E.D. Pa. Feb. 28, 2011). The comments to the Restatement indicate that the word "substantial,” in this context, "denote[s] the fact that the defendant’s conduct has such an ef-feet in producing the harm as to lead reasonable men to regard it as a cause, using that word in the popular sense, in which there always lurks the idea of responsibility.” Restatement (Second) of Torts § 431 cmt. a (1965).

7 . The majority of federal courts have held that, under maritime law, a manufacturer has no liability for harms caused by, and no duty to warn about hazards associated with, a product it did not manufacture or distribute. This is also referred to as the "bare metal” defense. See Dalton v. 3M Co., Civil Action No. 10-0113-SLR-SRF, 2013 WL 4886658, at *7 (D. Del. Sept. 12, 2013), report and recommendation adopted, 2013 WL 5486813 (Oct. 1, 2013) (citing cases); Conner v. Alfa Laval, Inc., 842 F. Supp. 2d 791, 801 (E.D. Pa. 2012).

8 . However, " 'substantial exposure is necessary to draw an inference from circumstantial evidence that the exposure was a substantial factor in causing the injury.’ " Stark, 21 Fed.Appx. at 376 (quoting Harbour v. Armstrong World Indus., Inc., No. 90-1414, 1991 WL 65201, at *4 (6th Cir. April 25, 1991) (emphasis in original)).