FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/23/2018 02:50 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 7
`
`INDEX NO. 190222/2018
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/23/2018
`
`SUPREME
`COUNTY
`
`COURT OF THE STATE
`OF NEW YORK
`
`OF NEW YORK
`
`HELEN
`Executrix
`
`and CAROL
`LLOYD,
`Individually
`of WALTER
`of
`the Estate
`LLOYD,
`
`WATRAL,
`deceased,
`
`as
`
`-against-
`
`3M COMPANY
`f/1da Minnesota
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`VERIFIED
`
`ANSWER
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`190222/2018
`
`Mining
`
`& Manufacturing
`
`Co.,
`
`et al.,
`
`Defendants.
`
`Defendant
`
`Sairit-Gobain
`
`Abrasives,
`
`Inc.
`
`f/lda
`
`Norton
`
`Company
`
`(hereiñafter
`
`"Saint-
`
`Gobain"),
`
`by
`
`their
`
`attorneys,
`
`Harris
`
`Beach
`
`PLLC,
`
`for
`
`its Answer
`
`to
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`Complaint,
`
`states
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief
`
`as follows:
`
`1.
`
`Denies
`
`all material
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`Levy
`
`Konigsberg,
`
`LLP's
`
`Standard
`
`Asbestos
`
`Complaint
`
`for Wrongful
`
`Death
`
`filed
`
`on May
`
`11,
`
`2018,
`
`bearing
`
`caption:
`
`In Re New
`
`under
`
`782000/2017.
`
`York
`
`City
`
`Asbestos
`
`Litigation
`
`relating
`
`to All
`
`Asbestos
`
`cases
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`2.
`
`Denies
`
`knowledge
`
`or
`
`information
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`form
`
`a belief
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`truth
`
`or
`
`falsity
`
`of
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`"2"
`
`and
`
`"3"
`
`of
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`Complaint.
`
`3.
`
`Denies
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`other
`
`allegation
`
`of
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`Complaint
`
`not
`
`heretofore
`
`specifically
`
`admitted,
`
`denied
`
`or otherwise
`
`responded
`
`to.
`
`FIRST
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`4.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`this
`
`Court
`
`lacks
`
`personal
`
`jurisdiction
`
`over
`
`Saint-
`
`Gobain
`
`Abrasives,
`
`Inc.
`
`1
`
`1 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/23/2018 02:50 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 7
`
`INDEX NO. 190222/2018
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/23/2018
`
`SECOND
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`5.
`
`The
`
`action
`
`was
`
`not
`
`commenced
`
`within
`
`the
`
`time
`
`limited
`
`therefor
`
`and
`
`is barred
`
`by
`
`the
`
`statute
`
`of
`
`limitations.
`
`THIRD
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`6.
`
`This
`
`action
`
`is barred
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`by
`
`laches
`
`in commencing
`
`this
`
`action.
`
`FOURTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFEN
`
`.7.
`
`The
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`alleged
`
`in
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`resulted
`
`from
`
`or were
`
`the
`
`of
`
`other
`
`than
`
`defendant
`
`Saint-Gobain
`
`proximately
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`conduct
`
`persons
`
`Abrasives,
`
`Inc.,
`
`or by
`
`superseding
`
`or
`
`intervening
`
`causes.
`
`FIFTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`8.
`
`The
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`alleged
`
`in
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`were
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`the
`
`acts
`
`and/or
`
`omissions
`
`of
`
`persons
`
`or
`
`entities
`
`other
`
`than
`
`defendant
`
`Saint-Gobain
`
`Abrasives,
`
`Inc.,
`
`including
`
`persons
`
`or
`
`entities
`
`over
`
`whom plaintiffs
`
`could
`
`have
`
`obtained
`
`personal
`
`jurisdiction.
`
`to
`
`recover
`
`from
`
`Saint-Gobain
`
`Inc.
`
`or Saint-
`
`Therefore,
`
`plaintiffs
`
`are
`
`not
`
`entitled
`
`Abrasives,
`
`Gobain
`
`Abrasives,
`
`Inc.
`
`is
`
`entitled
`
`to
`
`the
`
`benefits
`
`of
`
`the
`
`applicable
`
`laws
`
`of
`
`contribution
`
`and
`
`comparative
`
`fault
`
`in accordance
`
`with
`
`CPLR Article
`
`14.
`
`SIXTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`I
`
`9.
`
`The
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages
`
`alleged
`
`in the Complaint
`
`were
`
`caused
`
`or
`
`contributed
`
`to
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in
`
`part
`
`by
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`attributable
`
`to
`
`persons
`
`other
`
`than
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`total
`
`defendant,
`
`the
`
`relative
`
`culpability
`
`of which
`
`persons
`
`equals
`
`or exceeds
`
`fifty
`
`percent
`
`of
`
`the
`
`culpability
`
`of
`
`all
`
`persons
`
`contributing
`
`to
`
`such
`
`damage.
`
`Any
`
`liability
`
`on
`
`the
`
`part
`
`of
`
`Saint-
`
`Gobain
`
`Abrasives,
`
`Inc.
`
`(which
`
`liability
`
`is denied)
`
`is
`
`50
`
`percent
`
`or
`
`less
`
`of
`
`the
`
`liability
`
`of
`
`all
`
`persons
`
`causing
`
`or
`
`contributing
`
`to the
`
`alleged
`
`injuries,
`
`if any,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`liability
`
`of Saint-Gobain
`
`2
`
`2 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/23/2018 02:50 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 7
`
`INDEX NO. 190222/2018
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/23/2018
`
`Abrasives,
`
`Inc.
`
`for
`
`non-economic
`
`loss
`
`shall
`
`not
`
`exceed
`
`Saint-Gobain
`
`Abrasives,
`
`Inc.'s
`
`equitable
`
`share
`
`determined
`
`in accordance
`
`with
`
`the
`
`relative
`
`culpability
`
`of
`
`each
`
`person
`
`emming
`
`or
`
`contributing
`
`to the
`
`total
`
`liability
`
`for
`
`non-economic
`
`loss
`
`pursuant
`
`to CPLR
`
`§§1601
`
`and
`
`1603.
`
`SEVENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`10.
`
`Insofar
`
`as the Complaint
`
`alleges
`
`causes
`
`of
`
`action
`
`before
`
`September
`
`each
`
`such
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`action
`
`is barred
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`attributable
`
`accruing
`
`1,
`
`to
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd,
`
`including
`
`contributory
`
`negligence
`
`and
`
`assumption
`
`of
`
`the
`
`1975,
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`risk.
`
`EIGHTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`11.
`
`Insofar
`
`as
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`alleges
`
`causes
`
`of
`
`action
`
`occurring
`
`on
`
`or
`
`after
`
`personal
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`damages
`
`September
`
`1,
`
`1975
`
`to
`
`recover
`
`damages
`
`for
`
`injuries,
`
`recoverable
`
`thereon
`
`must
`
`be
`
`diminished
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`attributable
`
`to
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd,
`
`including
`
`contributory
`
`negligence
`
`and
`
`assumption
`
`of
`
`the
`
`risk,
`
`in the
`
`proportion
`
`in which
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`attributable
`
`to
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd
`
`to the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`which
`
`caused
`
`the
`
`damages.
`
`NINTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`12.
`
`The
`
`Complaint
`
`fails
`
`to
`
`state
`
`a claim
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`can
`
`be
`
`granted.
`
`TENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`13.
`
`The.imposition
`
`of punitive
`
`damages
`
`on the
`
`facts
`
`alleged
`
`in the Complaint
`
`would
`
`violate
`
`the
`
`excessive
`
`fines
`
`and
`
`due
`
`process
`
`clauses
`
`of
`
`the Constitution
`
`of
`
`the United
`
`States
`
`and
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of New York.
`
`3
`
`3 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/23/2018 02:50 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 7
`
`INDEX NO. 190222/2018
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/23/2018
`
`ELEVENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`14.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`demand
`
`for
`
`punitive
`
`dou.ggs
`
`is barred
`
`the
`
`double
`
`by
`
`jeopardy
`
`clause
`
`of
`
`the Fifth
`
`Amendment
`
`to the United
`
`States
`
`Constitution,
`
`as applied
`
`to the
`
`states
`
`through
`
`the
`
`Fourteenth
`
`Amendment,
`
`Article
`
`1, Section
`
`6 of
`
`the New York
`
`State
`
`Constitution.
`
`TWELFTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`15.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`claim
`
`for
`
`or
`
`punitive
`
`damages
`
`is
`
`barred
`
`because
`
`such
`
`damages
`
`are not
`
`recoverable
`
`or warranted
`
`in this
`
`action.
`
`exemplary
`
`THIRTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`16.
`
`Each
`
`item
`
`of
`
`economic
`
`loss
`
`alleged
`
`in
`
`the Complaint
`
`was,
`
`or with
`
`reasonable
`
`certainty
`
`will
`
`be,
`
`replaced
`
`or
`
`indemnified
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in part
`
`from
`
`collateral
`
`sources.
`
`FOURTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`17.
`
`The
`
`Complaint
`
`fails
`
`to state
`
`a cause
`
`of action
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`relief
`
`may
`
`be granted
`
`this
`
`defendant.
`
`as against
`
`answering
`
`FIFTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`18.
`
`Whatever
`
`damages,
`
`if any, which
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd
`
`sustained
`
`as
`
`alleged
`
`in the Complaint,
`
`if
`
`it was
`
`not
`
`caused
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in part
`
`or
`
`contributed
`
`to by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`his
`
`culpable
`
`conduct,
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`on the
`
`part
`
`of
`
`others
`
`to whom
`
`plaintiffs
`
`given
`
`this
`
`defendant
`
`is
`
`entitled
`
`to
`
`the
`
`have
`
`a release,
`
`and,
`
`accordingly,
`
`answering
`
`have
`
`the
`
`claim
`
`of
`
`the
`
`plaintiffs
`
`herein,
`
`if any,
`
`reduced
`
`in accordance
`
`with
`
`Section
`
`15-108
`
`of
`
`the
`
`General
`
`Obligations
`
`Law.
`
`SIXTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`19.
`
`This
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`did
`
`not
`
`supervise
`
`or
`
`control
`
`any
`
`of
`
`the
`
`work
`
`performed
`
`by
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd.
`
`.
`
`4
`
`.
`
`4 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/23/2018 02:50 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 7
`
`INDEX NO. 190222/2018
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/23/2018
`
`SEVENTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`20.
`
`It
`
`is denied
`
`that
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd
`
`was
`
`ever
`
`exposed
`
`to a product
`
`sold
`
`or manufactured
`
`by
`
`this
`
`âñswering
`
`defendant
`
`which
`
`contained
`
`asbestos.
`
`However,
`
`should
`
`plaintiffs
`
`submit
`
`evidence
`
`to
`
`the
`
`contrary,
`
`then
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`alleges
`
`that
`
`any
`
`asbestos
`
`fibers
`
`in
`
`such
`
`product
`
`were
`
`entirely
`
`encapsulated.
`
`Therefore,
`
`such
`
`products
`
`did
`
`not
`
`omit
`
`respirable
`
`asbestos
`
`fibers
`
`into
`
`the
`
`not
`
`have
`
`contributed
`
`to the
`
`injuries
`
`of
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd.
`
`air,
`
`and,
`
`such
`
`exposure
`
`could
`
`EIGHTEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`.
`
`21.
`
`If
`
`it
`
`should
`
`be. proven
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`trial
`
`that
`
`any
`
`of
`
`this
`
`anawo1u13
`
`defendant's
`
`products
`
`were
`
`furnished
`
`to
`
`employers
`
`of
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd
`
`and
`
`that
`
`he
`
`came
`
`into
`
`contact
`
`with
`
`these
`
`products,
`
`which
`
`is
`
`specifically
`
`denied,
`
`that
`
`any
`
`such
`
`products
`
`were
`
`altered
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`and/or
`
`his
`
`misused,
`
`modified
`
`and
`
`by
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd,
`
`his
`
`co-workers
`
`employers.
`
`.
`
`NINETEENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`22.
`
`If
`
`it
`
`should
`
`be proven
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`trial
`
`that
`
`any
`
`of
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant's
`
`products
`
`were
`
`furnished
`
`to
`
`employers
`
`of
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd
`
`and
`
`that
`
`he
`
`came
`
`into
`
`contact
`
`with
`
`these
`
`products,
`
`which
`
`is
`
`specifically
`
`denied,
`
`that
`
`any
`
`such
`
`product
`
`was
`
`in
`
`to.the
`
`conditions
`
`specified
`
`or
`
`furnished
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`furnished
`
`strict
`
`conformity
`
`by
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd
`
`and
`
`his
`
`employers,
`
`who
`
`were
`
`sophisticated
`
`users
`
`of
`
`the
`
`product.
`
`TWENTIETH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`23.
`
`If
`
`it
`
`should
`
`be proven
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`trial
`
`that
`
`any
`
`of
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant's
`
`products
`
`were
`
`furnished
`
`to
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd
`
`or his
`
`employers
`
`and
`
`that
`
`he came
`
`into
`
`contact
`
`with
`
`these
`
`products,
`
`which
`
`is
`
`specifically
`
`denied,
`
`that
`
`any
`
`such
`
`products
`
`were
`
`5.
`
`5 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/23/2018 02:50 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 7
`
`INDEX NO. 190222/2018
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/23/2018
`
`accompanied
`
`by
`
`adequate
`
`warnings
`
`in conformity
`
`with
`
`the
`
`existing
`
`state
`
`of
`
`the
`
`art
`
`in regard
`
`to
`
`the
`
`foreseeable
`
`use
`
`of
`
`said
`
`products
`
`or materials.
`
`TWENY-FIRST
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENS_E
`
`24.
`
`If
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd
`
`used
`
`any
`
`products
`
`distributed
`
`by
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant,
`
`it
`
`is
`
`alleged
`
`that
`
`said
`
`products
`
`were
`
`produced
`
`pursuant
`
`to
`
`goverñmeñt
`
`specifications
`
`and
`
`as
`
`such,
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`is
`
`relieved
`
`of
`
`any
`
`responsibility
`
`for
`
`the
`
`damages
`
`which
`
`plaintiffs
`
`claim.
`
`TWENTY-SECOND
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`warranties
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd
`
`relied
`
`are
`
`25.
`
`Any
`
`oral
`
`barred
`
`by
`
`the
`
`statute
`
`of
`
`frauds.
`
`TWENTY-THIRD
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`26.
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`give
`
`timely
`
`notice
`
`to this
`
`answermg
`
`defendant
`
`of
`
`any
`
`breach
`
`of warranty
`
`claim.
`
`TWENTY-FOURTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`27.
`
`This
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`never
`
`made
`
`any
`
`warranties
`
`to
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd
`
`upon
`
`which
`
`he relied.
`
`TWENTY-FIFTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENS
`
`28.
`
`Any
`
`alleged
`
`warranties
`
`were
`
`properly
`
`disclaimed
`
`by
`
`labels,
`
`notice
`
`and warnings.
`
`TWENTY-SIXTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`29.
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`timely
`
`assert
`
`any
`
`claim
`
`under
`
`UCC Section
`
`2-725,
`
`and
`
`secordingly,
`
`any
`
`such
`
`claim
`
`is now
`
`barred.
`
`6 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/23/2018 02:50 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 7
`
`INDEX NO. 190222/2018
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/23/2018
`
`TWENTY-SEVENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`30.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd
`
`contributed
`
`to
`
`his
`
`illness
`
`by use
`
`of drugs,
`
`medication
`
`and/or
`
`tobacco
`
`products.
`
`TWENTY-EIGHTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`31.
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`have
`
`failed
`
`to state
`
`a claim
`
`against
`
`defendant
`
`Saint-Gobain
`
`Abrasives,
`
`Inc.
`
`for
`
`breach
`
`of warranty
`
`in that
`
`the Complaint
`
`fails
`
`to allege
`
`that
`
`there
`
`was
`
`privity
`
`between
`
`Saint-Gobain
`
`Inc.
`
`and
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`Walter
`
`and
`
`such
`
`Abrasives,
`
`decedent
`
`Lloyd
`
`furthermore,
`
`between
`
`Saint-Gobain
`
`Abrasives,
`
`Inc.
`
`and
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd
`
`did
`
`not
`
`privity
`
`exist.
`
`TWENTY-NINTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`32.
`
`Plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd's
`
`employer
`
`or
`
`employers,
`
`including
`
`said
`
`employers'
`
`agents,
`
`servants,
`
`and
`
`employees,
`
`by
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`warnings
`
`and
`
`handling
`
`information
`
`given
`
`to
`
`them
`
`and
`
`their
`
`own
`
`longstanding
`
`and
`
`continuous
`
`experience
`
`with
`
`the
`
`sophisticated
`
`users
`
`of
`
`products
`
`or materials,
`
`if
`
`any,
`
`referred
`
`to in the Complaint,
`
`are
`
`and were
`
`any
`
`and
`
`all
`
`such
`
`products
`
`or materials,
`
`and
`
`thereby
`
`acquired
`
`a separate
`
`and
`
`affirmative
`
`duty
`
`to
`
`warn
`
`their
`
`employees,
`
`including
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd,
`
`of
`
`any
`
`alleged
`
`potential
`
`harmful
`
`effects
`
`from
`
`the
`
`use
`
`or misuse
`
`of
`
`said
`
`products
`
`or materials.
`
`By
`
`reason
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing,
`
`said
`
`employers'
`
`failure
`
`to
`
`discharge
`
`said
`
`and
`
`caused
`
`any
`
`and
`
`all
`
`damages
`
`and
`
`injuries,
`
`if any,
`
`complained
`
`of by
`
`plaintiffs.
`
`THIRTIETH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`duty
`
`directly
`
`proximately
`
`33.
`
`Products
`
`or materials
`
`supplied
`
`this
`
`by
`
`answering
`
`defendant,
`
`if any,
`
`to
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd's
`
`employer
`
`or
`
`employers,
`
`or
`
`others
`
`were
`
`produced
`
`in
`
`conformity
`
`with
`
`the
`
`existing
`
`state
`
`of
`
`the
`
`arts,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`hazards
`
`or dangers
`
`of
`
`said
`
`products
`
`or materials,
`
`if
`
`7
`
`7 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/23/2018 02:50 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 7
`
`INDEX NO. 190222/2018
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/23/2018
`
`any, were
`
`created
`
`by
`
`the
`
`conduct
`
`of
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd's
`
`employer
`
`or employers,
`
`and
`
`others.
`
`THIRTY-FIRST
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`34.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material
`
`hereto,
`
`the
`
`state
`
`of
`
`the medical
`
`and
`
`industrial
`
`art was
`
`such
`
`that
`
`there
`
`was
`
`no
`
`generally
`
`accepted
`
`or
`
`recognized
`
`knowledge
`
`of
`
`any
`
`unavoidable,
`
`unsafe,
`
`inherently
`
`dangerous
`
`or
`
`hazardous
`
`character
`
`or
`
`nature
`
`of
`
`products
`
`containing
`
`asbestos
`
`when
`
`used
`
`in
`
`the manner
`
`and
`
`purpose
`
`described
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`by
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd.
`
`Therefore,
`
`there
`
`was
`
`no
`
`duty
`
`for
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`to know
`
`of
`
`such
`
`character
`
`or nature
`
`or
`
`to warn
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd
`
`or others
`
`similarly
`
`situated.
`
`THIRTY-SECOND
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`that
`
`on
`
`Law L.
`
`Chapter
`
`35.
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`plaintiffs
`
`rely
`
`the New York
`
`1986,
`
`682,
`
`Section
`
`4 as grounds
`
`for
`
`reviving
`
`or wiaintaining
`
`the
`
`action,
`
`said
`
`stadate(s)
`
`is unconstidational,
`
`deprives
`
`this
`
`cuiswering
`
`defendant
`
`of
`
`its
`
`constidational
`
`rights,
`
`and
`
`is
`
`wholly
`
`void
`
`and
`
`unenforceable.
`
`Accordingly,
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`claim
`
`is time
`
`barred.
`
`THIRTY-THIRD
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`36.
`
`The
`
`action
`
`cannot
`
`proceed
`
`in the
`
`absence
`
`of
`
`all
`
`parties
`
`who
`
`should
`
`be named
`
`in
`
`accordance
`
`with
`
`CPLR
`
`§1001.
`
`THIRTY-FOURTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`37.
`
`With
`
`respect
`
`to the
`
`products
`
`or materials
`
`of
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`referred
`
`in
`
`the Complaint,
`
`if
`
`any,
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`made
`
`no
`
`representations
`
`to
`
`the
`
`public
`
`to
`
`at
`
`large
`
`in order
`
`to induce
`
`purchase
`
`of
`
`said
`
`products
`
`or materials.
`
`.
`
`8
`
`8 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/23/2018 02:50 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 7
`
`INDEX NO. 190222/2018
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/23/2018
`
`THIRTY-FIFTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`38.
`
`Assuming,
`
`but
`
`without
`
`conceding,
`
`that
`
`products
`
`manufactured
`
`or
`
`supplied
`
`by
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`were
`
`used
`
`by
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`decedent
`
`Walter
`
`Lloyd,
`
`any
`
`such
`
`asbestos-
`
`coi1traiiling
`
`products
`
`were
`
`designed
`
`and manufactured
`
`pursuant
`
`to
`
`and
`
`in
`
`accordance
`
`with
`
`specifications
`
`mandated
`
`by
`
`the
`
`federal,
`
`state
`
`and/or
`
`local
`
`governments
`
`and/or
`
`their
`
`agencies.
`
`The
`
`knowledge
`
`of
`
`the
`
`and/or
`
`local
`
`governments
`
`and/or
`
`of
`
`federal,
`
`state
`
`agêñcies
`
`any
`
`possible
`
`health
`
`hazards
`
`from
`
`use
`
`of
`
`such
`
`products
`
`was
`
`equal
`
`to
`
`or
`
`superior
`
`to
`
`that
`
`of
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant.
`
`Accordingly,
`
`this
`
`answenng
`
`defendant
`
`is not
`
`liable
`
`to plaintiffs.
`
`THIRTY-SIXTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`39.
`
`As
`
`a
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`acts,
`
`conduct
`
`and
`
`omissions
`
`of
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`agents,
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in the Complaint
`
`are barred
`
`the
`
`doctrine
`
`of estoppel
`
`and waiver.
`
`by
`
`THIRTY-SEVENTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`products
`
`40.
`
`The
`
`benefits
`
`of any
`
`or materials
`
`of
`
`this
`
`answering
`
`defendant
`
`referred
`
`to
`
`in the Complaint
`
`outweigh
`
`the
`
`risk
`
`of danger,
`
`if any,
`
`inherent
`
`in said
`
`products
`
`or materials.
`
`THIRTY-EIGHTH
`
`AFFIRMATIVE
`
`DEFENSE
`
`41.
`
`Upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`some
`
`or
`
`all
`
`of
`
`the
`
`damages
`
`alleged
`
`in
`
`the
`
`Complaint
`
`are barred
`
`and/or
`
`limited
`
`by
`
`the
`
`provisions
`
`of
`
`§4545
`
`of
`
`the CPLR.
`
`CROSS
`
`CLAIM
`
`AGAINST
`
`CO-DEFENDANTS
`
`42.
`
`In
`
`the
`
`event
`
`that
`
`Saint-Gobain
`
`Inc.
`
`is found
`
`Saint-
`
`Abrasives,
`
`liable
`
`to plaintiff,
`
`Gobain
`
`Abrasives,
`
`Inc.
`
`alleges,
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`that
`
`any
`
`such
`
`liability
`
`was
`
`caused
`
`in whole
`
`or
`
`in part,
`
`or
`
`contributed
`
`to,
`
`by
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`of
`
`and/or
`
`negligence
`
`of
`
`the
`
`co-
`
`defendants
`
`in
`
`this
`
`action
`
`and,
`
`therefore,
`
`Saint-Gobain
`
`Abrasives,
`
`Inc.
`
`will
`
`be
`
`entitled
`
`to
`
`indemnification
`
`or
`
`contribution
`
`and
`
`judgment
`
`over
`
`and
`
`against
`
`said
`
`co-defendants
`
`for
`
`the
`
`full
`
`9
`
`9 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/23/2018 02:50 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 7
`
`INDEX NO. 190222/2018
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/23/2018
`
`amount
`
`of
`
`said
`
`liability
`
`or
`
`for
`
`such
`
`proportionate
`
`share
`
`as
`
`represents
`
`the
`
`culpable
`
`conduct
`
`attributable
`
`to them.
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`defendant
`
`Saint-Gobain
`
`Abrasives,
`
`Inc.,
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`as follows:
`
`a.
`
`b.
`
`c.
`
`d.
`
`Dismissing
`disbursements
`
`the Complaint
`of
`this
`
`action;
`
`of
`
`the
`or
`
`plaintiffs
`in the
`
`herein,
`alternative;
`
`together
`
`with
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`recover
`
`plaintiffs
`if
`That
`Saint-Gobain
`diminished
`plaintiffs'
`to the
`the
`risk
`
`bears
`
`Abrasives,
`proportion
`in the
`decedent
`to the
`culpable
`
`Inc.,
`
`a judgment
`for
`amount
`the
`to which
`Walter
`Lloyd
`conduct
`
`against
`amount
`any
`damages
`of
`such
`conduct
`culpable
`plaintiff's
`the
`the
`caused
`
`defendant
`recovered
`attributable
`assumption
`
`be
`
`of
`
`damages;
`
`the
`and
`which
`
`the
`That
`determined
`
`rights
`ultimate
`in accordance
`
`and
`with
`
`responsibilities
`CPLR Article
`
`as
`
`between
`
`all
`
`parties
`
`be
`
`14;
`
`and
`
`Such
`together
`
`other
`with
`
`and
`the
`
`further
`costs
`
`this
`relief
`as
`and
`disbursements
`
`Court
`
`may
`this
`
`deem
`action.
`
`of
`
`just
`
`and
`
`proper,
`
`Dated:
`
`August
`
`Pittsford,
`
`2018
`23,
`New York
`
`HARRIS
`
`BEACH PLLC
`
`Michael
`Attorneys
`Saint-Gobain
`99 Garnsey
`Pittsford,
`
`, Esq.
`J. Mas
`for De endant
`
`Inc.
`
`Abrasives,
`Road
`New York
`419-8800
`
`14534
`
`TO:
`
`Esq.
`Guinan,
`KONIGSBERG,
`for Plaintiffs
`
`John
`LEVY
`Attorneys
`800
`Third
`New York,
`
`11*
`
`Avenue,
`New York
`
`(585)
`
`LLP
`
`Floor
`10022
`
`10
`
`10 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 08/23/2018 02:50 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 7
`
`INDEX NO. 190222/2018
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/23/2018
`
`VERIFICATIOly
`
`STATE
`COUNTY
`
`OF NEW YORK
`OF MONROE
`
`)
`) ss:
`
`MICHAEL
`
`J. MASINO,
`
`being
`
`duly
`
`sworn,
`
`deposes
`
`and
`
`says:
`
`that
`
`he
`
`is
`
`one
`
`of
`
`the
`
`attorneys
`
`for
`
`defendant
`
`Saint-Gobain
`
`Abrasives,
`
`Inc.
`
`in
`
`the
`
`above-entitled
`
`action;
`
`that
`
`he has
`
`read
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`Answer
`
`and
`
`knows
`
`the
`
`contents
`
`thereof;
`
`that
`
`the
`
`same
`
`is
`
`true
`
`to
`
`the
`
`loowledge
`
`of
`
`deponent,
`
`except
`
`as to the matters
`
`therein
`
`stated
`
`to be alleged
`
`on information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`and
`
`that
`
`as to those
`
`matters
`
`he believes
`
`them
`
`to be true.
`
`The
`
`basis
`
`for
`
`such
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief
`
`is the Complaint
`
`and
`
`documents
`
`provided
`
`by defendant.
`
`That
`
`the
`
`reason
`
`this
`
`verification
`
`is made
`
`by
`
`the
`
`deponent
`
`and
`
`not
`
`by
`
`an officer
`
`of
`
`said
`
`defendant
`
`is that
`
`there
`
`is no
`
`officer
`
`of
`
`said
`
`defendant
`
`now
`
`within
`
`the County
`
`of Monroe,
`
`where
`
`deponent
`
`resides
`
`and
`
`has
`
`his
`
`office;
`
`and
`
`the
`
`sources
`
`of deponent's
`
`information
`
`and
`
`the
`
`grounds
`
`of his
`
`belief
`
`as to all matters
`
`herein
`
`stated
`
`are the
`
`records
`
`of
`
`said
`
`defendant
`
`and
`
`the
`
`results
`
`of an
`
`investigation
`
`into
`
`this matter,
`
`coñducted
`
`on behalf
`
`of
`
`said
`
`defendant.
`
`MIC1-IAEL
`
`J. M
`
`O
`
`Sworn
`
`day
`
`to before
`of August,
`
`me this
`2018.
`
`Notary
`
`Pubfic
`
`000506 4826-0217-9184 v1
`
`AMY M. DANN
`Public, State
`of New York
`Notary
`Qualified
`in Wayne County
`No. 01DA5077658
`Commission
`Expires May
`
`12,
`
`11
`
`11 of 11
`
`