FILED: ONONDAGA COUNTY CLERK 01/19/2018 11:31 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 432
`
`INDEX NO. 2015EF4176
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/19/2018
`
`STATE
`SUPREME
`
`OF NEW YORK
`COURT
`
`COUNTY
`
`OF ONONDAGA
`
`SHIRLEY
`I, BEAULIEU,
`MARC BEAULIEU,
`
`Executor
`
`of
`
`the State
`
`of
`
`Deceased,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`-against-
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`2015EF4176
`
`ALCOA,
`
`INC.,
`
`et al.,
`
`Defendants.
`
`MEMORANDUM
`OF LAW IN SUPPORT
`DEFENDANT
`LINDBERG/MPH'S
`COMPELLING
`FOR AN ORDER
`MOTION
`PROOF
`AND ADMISSION
`OF PLAINTIFF'S
`
`OF
`
`DISCLOSURE
`OF CLAIMS
`
`DAMON LLP
`Defendant
`
`for
`
`Address
`
`BARCLAY
`Attorneys
`Lindberg/MPH
`and Post Office
`Office
`Street
`80 State
`New York
`
`J. Clark
`Linda
`David
`M. Cost
`of Counsel
`
`Albany,
`Telephone:
`
`12207-2830
`429-4241
`
`(518)
`
`I/622565.1
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`
`

`

`FILED: ONONDAGA COUNTY CLERK 01/19/2018 11:31 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 432
`
`INDEX NO. 2015EF4176
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/19/2018
`
`TABLEOFCONTENTS
`
`PRELIMINARY
`
`STATEMENT
`
`....................................................................................................
`
`FACTUAL
`
`BACKGROUND.........................................................................................................
`
`ARGUMENT..................................................................................................................................
`
`POINT
`
`I
`
`THE COURT
`PLAINTIFF
`SUPPORTING
`
`SHOULD
`ISSUE
`TO PRODUCE
`ALL
`DOCUMENTS
`
`AN ORDER COMPELLING
`AND
`BANKRUPTCY
`FILINGS
`PRIOR
`TO TRIAL...................................
`..........................
`
`A.
`
`B.
`
`C.
`
`Asbestos
`
`Bankruptcy
`
`Trusts
`
`and Abuse.....................................................
`
`System
`Judicial
`of
`The
`the
`Integrity
`and Unifying
`Evidence
`of Exposure
`That
`Trial
`is the Way
`to Facilitate
`
`Consistent
`Mandates
`of Claims
`the Timing
`Integrity................................................
`
`Disclosure
`and
`
`With
`Mr.
`Consistent
`Claims
`Trust
`The
`Are
`Here
`History.........................................................................................................
`
`Beaulieu's
`
`Work
`.
`.
`
`.....
`
`..............
`
`POINT
`
`II
`
`PLAINTIFF'S
`ADMITTED
`
`FORMS
`SHOULD
`OF CLAIM
`PROOF
`INTO
`EVIDENCE.................................................................
`
`BE
`
`A.
`
`B.
`
`C.
`
`Proof
`
`Of Claim
`
`Forms
`
`Constitute
`
`Admissions
`
`By A Party
`
`Opponent.
`
`......
`
`Proof
`The
`Judicial
`
`Of Claim
`Under
`Admissible
`Are
`Forms
`Estoppel.......................................................................................
`
`The Doctrine
`
`Of
`
`Of Claim
`Be Admissible
`Proof
`The
`Would
`Forms
`Cross-Examination....................................................................................
`
`On
`
`CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................
`
`1
`
`1
`
`2
`
`2
`
`2
`
`4
`
`6
`
`8
`
`9
`
`11
`
`12
`
`12
`
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`FILED: ONONDAGA COUNTY CLERK 01/19/2018 11:31 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 432
`
`INDEX NO. 2015EF4176
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/19/2018
`
`PRELIMINARY
`
`STATEMENT
`
`Defendant
`
`Lindberg/MPH
`
`("Lindberg")
`
`respectfully
`
`submits
`
`this
`
`Memorandum
`
`of Law
`
`in support
`
`of
`
`its motion
`
`for
`
`an order
`
`from
`
`this
`
`Court
`
`requiring
`
`Plaintiff
`
`to
`
`complete
`
`and
`
`disclose
`
`all
`
`bankruptcy
`
`trust
`
`claims
`
`before
`
`trial
`
`commences.
`
`This
`
`is the
`
`only
`
`way
`
`to insure
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`discloses
`
`all
`
`exposure
`
`facts
`
`and
`
`evidence
`
`in their
`
`control
`
`associated
`
`with
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`causation
`
`of
`
`Marc
`
`mesothelioma
`
`the
`
`Such
`
`filings
`
`and
`
`subsequent
`
`Plaintiff
`
`Beaulieu's
`
`to
`
`Defendants.
`
`disclosures
`
`must
`
`be made
`
`before
`
`trial
`
`begins
`
`or
`
`Lindberg
`
`(and
`
`any
`
`other
`
`remaining
`
`defendants)
`
`will
`
`suffer
`
`incurable
`
`prejudice.
`
`This
`
`includes
`
`not
`
`only
`
`the
`
`loss
`
`of
`
`evidence
`
`of
`
`other
`
`asbestos
`
`exposures,
`
`but
`
`also
`
`the
`
`irreparable
`
`injury
`
`of
`
`the
`
`loss
`
`of
`
`potentially
`
`responsible
`
`entities
`
`on
`
`the
`
`verdict
`
`sheet.
`
`Following
`
`disclosure,
`
`Lindberg
`
`also
`
`seeks
`
`an Order
`
`admitting
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`proof
`
`of
`
`claim
`
`in support
`
`into
`
`forms
`
`and
`
`any
`
`documents
`
`filed
`
`evidence
`
`as party
`
`admissions
`
`as well
`
`as under
`
`the
`
`doctrine
`
`of
`
`judicial
`
`estoppel,
`
`following
`
`established
`
`case
`
`law
`
`of
`
`this
`
`State.
`
`Proof
`
`of Claim
`
`forms
`
`cannot
`
`and
`
`should
`
`not
`
`be
`
`separated
`
`from
`
`the
`
`evidence
`
`submitted
`
`along
`
`with
`
`such
`
`form
`
`because
`
`the
`
`form
`
`along
`
`with
`
`the
`
`supporting
`
`evidence
`
`is the
`
`"Proof"
`
`of Claim,
`
`and
`
`should
`
`be evaluated
`
`by
`
`a jury
`
`in assessing
`
`the
`
`liability
`
`for Plaintiff's
`
`alleged
`
`asbestos
`
`exposure.
`
`FACTUAL
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Generally,
`
`this
`
`action
`
`is for
`
`personal
`
`injuries
`
`allegedly
`
`sustained
`
`by
`
`plaintiff's
`
`decedent,
`
`Marc
`
`Beaulieu,
`
`arising
`
`from
`
`claimed
`
`exposure
`
`to
`
`asbestos
`
`fibers
`
`through
`
`various
`
`sources
`
`and
`
`from
`
`various
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`products.
`
`Mr.
`
`Beaulieu's
`
`alleged
`
`exposure
`
`to
`
`asbestos
`
`arises
`
`from
`
`his work
`
`at a General
`
`Motors
`
`plant
`
`located
`
`in Massena,
`
`New York
`
`as well
`
`as from
`
`work
`
`he
`
`personally
`
`performed
`
`on
`
`his
`
`residences
`
`(Ex.
`
`A,
`
`Interrogatory
`
`Responses,
`
`Chart
`
`A).
`
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`FILED: ONONDAGA COUNTY CLERK 01/19/2018 11:31 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 432
`
`INDEX NO. 2015EF4176
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/19/2018
`
`As
`
`it
`
`relates
`
`to
`
`Lindberg,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`alleged
`
`exposure
`
`from
`
`Marc
`
`Beaulieu
`
`being
`
`in the
`
`presence
`
`of
`
`other
`
`workers
`
`repairing
`
`furnaces
`
`manufactured
`
`Lindberg
`
`located
`
`at
`
`the
`
`General
`
`Motors
`
`foundry
`
`(Ex.
`
`B,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`Dep.,
`
`pp.
`
`94,
`
`114,
`
`168).
`
`There
`
`is
`
`no
`
`dispute
`
`that
`
`Marc
`
`Beaulieu
`
`worked
`
`in the
`
`of
`
`other
`
`trades
`
`at General
`
`Motors,
`
`those
`
`who
`
`worked
`
`vicinity
`
`including
`
`on
`
`pipe
`
`insulation
`
`(Ex.
`
`B, Plaintiff's
`
`Dep.,
`
`pp.
`
`164-165).
`
`Plaintiff
`
`further
`
`testified
`
`he worked
`
`with
`
`Gold
`
`Bond
`
`joint
`
`compound,
`
`manufactured
`
`by National
`
`Gypsum
`
`who
`
`is a bankrupt
`
`entity
`
`(Ex.
`
`B,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`Dep.,
`
`pp.
`
`263).
`
`Despite
`
`multiple
`
`requests
`
`and
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`obligation
`
`in
`
`discovery,
`
`however,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`not
`
`disclosed
`
`Proof
`
`of
`
`Claim
`
`forms
`
`filed
`
`with
`
`asbestos
`
`the
`
`this motion
`
`(Ex.
`
`for Disclosure).
`
`bankruptcy
`
`trusts
`
`as of
`
`date
`
`of
`
`C, Requests
`
`ARGUMENT
`
`POINT
`
`I
`
`SHOULD
`THE COURT
`COMPELLING
`AN ORDER
`ISSUE
`ALL
`BANKRUPTCY
`TO PRODUCE
`FILINGS
`PLAINTIFF
`AND SUPPORTING
`DOCUMENTS
`TO TRIAL
`PRIOR
`
`A.
`
`Asbestos
`
`Bankruptcy
`
`Trusts
`
`and
`
`Abuse.
`
`Asbestos
`
`bankruptcy
`
`trusts
`
`were
`
`designed
`
`to
`
`adjudicate
`
`vast
`
`liabilities
`
`carried
`
`"first-
`
`by
`
`wave"
`
`asbestos
`
`defendants.
`
`These
`
`are
`
`defendants
`
`who,
`
`among
`
`other
`
`things,
`
`mined
`
`asbestos
`
`and
`
`manufactured
`
`friable
`
`asbestos
`
`products.
`
`Beginning
`
`in
`
`1982,
`
`these
`
`first-wave
`
`defendants
`
`filed
`
`for
`
`wave
`
`in the
`
`bankruptcy
`
`to
`
`settle
`
`present
`
`and
`
`future
`
`asbestos
`
`liability.
`
`A second
`
`followed
`
`1990s,
`
`and
`
`a third
`
`from
`
`2000
`
`to
`
`2005.
`
`All
`
`told,
`
`asbestos
`
`litigation
`
`has
`
`forced
`
`nearly
`
`one
`
`hundred
`
`companies
`
`into
`
`bankruptcy
`
`to date
`
`(See Mark
`
`A. Behrens
`
`& Cary
`
`Silverman,
`
`Punitive
`
`Damages
`
`in Asbestos
`
`Personal
`
`Injury
`
`Litigation:
`
`The
`
`Basis
`
`for
`
`Deferral
`
`Remains
`
`Sound,
`
`8 RUTGERS
`
`J.L. & PUB.
`
`POL'Y
`
`50,
`
`64
`
`[2011]).
`
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`FILED: ONONDAGA COUNTY CLERK 01/19/2018 11:31 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 432
`
`INDEX NO. 2015EF4176
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/19/2018
`
`The
`
`United
`
`States
`
`Congress
`
`specifically
`
`amended
`
`the
`
`bankruptcy
`
`code
`
`to deal
`
`with
`
`post-
`
`bankruptcy
`
`asbestos
`
`trusts
`
`(See
`
`11 U.S.C.
`
`§ 524[g]).
`
`As
`
`part
`
`of
`
`the
`
`debtor's
`
`reorganization,
`
`a
`
`trust
`
`is established
`
`on behalf
`
`of
`
`future
`
`claimants
`
`(Id.).
`
`The
`
`bankruptcy
`
`court
`
`enters
`
`an injunction
`
`against
`
`suit,
`
`which
`
`operates
`
`in the
`
`same
`
`manner
`
`as a release
`
`or
`
`covenant
`
`of
`
`nonsuit
`
`(Id.).
`
`The
`
`trust
`
`pays
`
`claimant
`
`who
`
`any
`
`falls
`
`into
`
`the
`
`class
`
`of
`
`persons
`
`for whom
`
`the
`
`trust
`
`was
`
`created.
`
`A
`
`bankruptcy
`
`trust
`
`under
`
`this
`
`procedure
`
`is
`
`the
`
`same
`
`as a settled
`
`party
`
`(See Michael
`
`D. Green,
`
`Second
`
`Thoughts
`
`About
`
`Apportionment
`
`in Asbestos
`
`Litigation,
`
`37 SW.
`
`U.
`
`L. REV.
`
`531,
`
`540 &
`
`n.46
`
`[2008]).
`
`With
`
`the
`
`entities
`
`responsible
`
`for
`
`the most
`
`damaging
`
`exposures
`
`to
`
`asbestos
`
`plaintiffs
`
`sought
`
`new
`
`solvent
`
`defendants
`
`"to
`
`shoulder
`
`in
`
`of
`
`bankruptcy,
`
`a larger
`
`share
`
`of
`
`the
`
`value
`
`asbestos
`
`claims
`
`and
`
`to widen
`
`their
`
`search
`
`for
`
`other
`
`corporations
`
`that
`
`might
`
`be
`
`held
`
`liable"
`
`(O'Neil
`
`v. Crane
`
`Co.,
`
`53 Cal.
`
`4th
`
`335,
`
`354 & n.9
`
`[Cal
`
`2012]).
`
`The
`
`"remaining
`
`defendants
`
`are
`
`'downstream'
`
`users
`
`or
`
`distributors
`
`of
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`products,
`
`or
`
`manufacturers
`
`of
`
`products
`
`in which
`
`asbestos
`
`was
`
`jacketed
`
`or
`
`encapsulated"
`
`(Tancrediv.
`
`AC&S,
`
`194 Misc.
`
`2d
`
`214,
`
`[Sup.
`
`Ct. N.Y.
`
`Co.
`
`219
`
`2002]).
`
`Solvent
`
`defendants
`
`absorb
`
`litigation
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`bankrupt
`
`entities'
`
`liability
`
`for
`
`little
`
`reason
`
`other
`
`than
`
`their
`
`solvency.
`
`Over
`
`thirteen
`
`(13)
`
`years
`
`ago,
`
`Tancredi
`
`captured
`
`the
`
`injustice
`
`as
`
`follows:
`
`In
`asbestos
`which
`the
`
`litigation,
`Plaintiff
`
`the
`claim
`or most
`
`of
`dollar
`
`much
`multimillion
`
`comprise
`
`1993,
`consolidated
`
`cases,
`
`bankrupt
`the
`defendants
`solvent
`a large
`verdict.
`For
`verdicts
`were
`plaintiffs
`
`tortfeasors'
`
`shares
`must
`example:
`returned
`were
`
`and
`
`spray
`apportioned
`
`today,
`would
`
`the
`be
`
`of
`
`liability,
`can
`absorb,
`In August
`in
`four
`exposed
`to
`tile
`the
`the
`
`in
`
`among
`percentage
`45%
`
`(of
`
`which
`
`the
`
`in
`pipe
`cement,
`covering,
`Fault
`were
`percentages
`four
`decided
`cases
`were
`now-bankrupt
`defendants
`
`asbestos-containing
`1940's
`and
`1950's.
`tortfeasors.
`If
`the
`attributable
`
`to
`
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`FILED: ONONDAGA COUNTY CLERK 01/19/2018 11:31 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 432
`
`INDEX NO. 2015EF4176
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/19/2018
`
`noneconomic
`74% (of
`
`damages
`$4.4 million),
`
`of
`and
`
`$11.3
`74% (of
`
`67% (of
`million),
`$8.2 million).
`
`$14
`
`million),
`
`(Id
`
`[citing
`
`In re New York
`
`Asbestos
`
`Litig.,
`
`847
`
`F. Supp.
`
`1086
`
`[S.D.N.Y.
`
`1994]).
`
`In
`
`of
`
`pattern
`
`2014,
`
`a federal
`
`court
`
`affirmed
`
`the
`
`earlier
`
`suspicions
`
`when
`
`it
`
`discovered
`
`"a
`
`startling
`
`misrepresentation"
`
`between
`
`what
`
`plaintiffs
`
`allege
`
`in civil
`
`court
`
`versus
`
`what
`
`they
`
`say
`
`in
`
`asbestos
`
`trusts
`
`(In
`
`re Garlock
`
`504
`
`claims
`
`to
`
`bankruptcy
`
`Sealing
`
`Techs.,
`
`LLC,
`
`B.R.
`
`71,
`
`¶ 86
`
`[W.D.N.C.
`
`2014]).
`
`Post-settlement
`
`and
`
`post-verdict
`
`discovery
`
`in Garlock
`
`showed
`
`that
`
`plaintiffs
`
`and
`
`their
`
`attorneys
`
`routinely
`
`manipulate
`
`exposure
`
`evidence
`
`to
`
`implicate
`
`only
`
`viable
`
`companies
`
`(Id
`
`at ¶ 65).
`
`After
`
`recovering
`
`from
`
`solvent
`
`defendants
`
`in the
`
`tort
`
`system,
`
`plaintiffs
`
`then
`
`and
`
`only
`
`in
`
`asbestos
`
`trusts
`
`for
`
`the
`
`same
`
`As
`
`then
`
`submit
`
`claims
`
`bankruptcy
`
`injury.3
`injury.
`
`such,
`
`Garlock
`
`shows
`
`that
`
`where
`
`a case
`
`involves
`
`unquestionable
`
`opportunities
`
`for
`
`exposure
`
`at
`
`"approved
`
`sites"
`
`for
`
`bankruptcy
`
`trusts,
`
`such
`
`as
`
`is
`
`the
`
`case
`
`here,
`
`the
`
`need
`
`for
`
`full
`
`and
`
`complete
`
`disclosure
`
`becomes
`
`more
`
`compelling.
`
`B.
`
`of
`The
`Integrity
`Evidence
`Exposure
`to Facilitate
`
`Way
`
`the
`
`Judicial
`and
`That
`
`Unifying
`Integrity.
`
`System
`
`Mandates
`
`the
`
`Timing
`
`Consistent
`of Claims
`
`Disclosure
`Trial
`
`of
`is the
`
`and
`
`Perhaps
`
`even
`
`more
`
`significant
`
`is
`
`the
`
`fact
`
`Garlock
`
`exposed
`
`troubling
`
`practices
`
`that
`
`threaten
`
`the
`
`integrity
`
`of
`
`the judicial
`
`process
`
`in asbestos
`
`litigation.
`
`Among
`
`the many
`
`shocking
`
`revelations,
`
`the
`
`court
`
`noted:
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`the
`
`of
`One
`leading
`a 23-page
`published
`set
`how to testify
`in discovery.
`
`law
`directions
`
`firms
`for
`
`with
`
`instructing
`
`a national
`their
`
`practice
`clients
`
`on
`
`of
`
`a regular
`It was
`for
`their
`claims
`have
`not
`that
`to
`a seemingly
`maximize
`their
`
`practice
`clients
`information.
`perverted
`
`recovery,
`
`i 1622565.1
`
`by many
`so that
`remaining
`One
`Plaintiff's
`ethical
`duty:
`and
`
`firms
`tort
`system
`lawyer
`
`to delay
`Trust
`filing
`would
`defendants
`likened
`practice
`his
`is to
`to these
`clients
`for me to maximize
`
`plaintiffs'
`
`okay,
`
`"My
`duty
`best way
`
`the
`
`- 4 -
`
`6 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: ONONDAGA COUNTY CLERK 01/19/2018 11:31 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 432
`
`INDEX NO. 2015EF4176
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/19/2018
`
`their
`recovery
`if appropriate,
`
`is to proceed
`to proceed
`
`solvent
`against
`against
`bankrupt
`
`defendants
`companies.
`
`first,
`
`and
`
`then,
`
`(Id
`
`at ¶ 58 (a)-(b)).
`
`Thus,
`
`on
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`of
`
`discovery
`
`of
`
`evidence
`
`of
`
`exposure
`
`that
`
`would
`
`implicate
`
`bankruptcy
`
`trusts,
`
`courts
`
`nationally
`
`are
`
`on
`
`notice
`
`of
`
`a pattern
`
`of
`
`abuse
`
`and must
`
`concede
`
`that
`
`discovery
`
`of
`
`claims-related
`
`material
`
`certainly
`
`may
`
`lead
`
`to
`
`admissible
`
`evidence.
`
`"While
`
`it
`
`is not
`
`suppression
`
`of
`
`evidence
`
`for
`
`to
`
`a plaintiff
`
`to
`
`be
`
`unable
`
`identify
`
`exposures,
`
`it
`
`is
`
`suppression
`
`of
`
`evidence
`
`for
`
`a plaintiff
`
`to
`
`be
`
`unable
`
`to
`
`identify
`
`exposure
`
`in
`
`the
`
`tort
`
`case,
`
`but
`
`then
`
`later
`
`(and
`
`in
`
`some
`
`cases
`
`previously)
`
`to be able
`
`to identify
`
`it
`
`in Trust
`
`claims"
`
`(Id
`
`at ¶ 69).
`
`The
`
`integrity
`
`of
`
`the judicial
`
`system
`
`mandates
`
`consistent
`
`disclosure
`
`of
`
`exposure
`
`evidence.
`
`The
`
`abuses
`
`discussed
`
`in Garlock
`
`which
`
`were
`
`earlier
`
`in
`
`(2014),
`
`recognized
`
`in
`
`the
`
`East
`
`Tancredi
`
`(2002),
`
`the West
`
`O'
`in O'Neil
`
`(2012),
`
`and many
`
`states
`
`between,
`
`are
`
`the
`
`very
`
`issues
`
`before
`
`the Court
`
`on
`
`this
`
`motion.'
`motion.
`
`1
`
`Based
`
`on
`
`these
`
`issues,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`facts
`
`squarely
`
`presented
`
`in
`
`this
`
`case,
`
`this
`
`Court
`
`must
`
`act
`
`to
`
`prevent
`
`abuse
`
`by
`
`issuing
`
`an Order
`
`compelling
`
`Plaintiff
`
`to
`
`complete
`
`their
`
`entire
`
`investigation
`
`all
`
`possible
`
`exposures
`
`for
`
`Plaintiff
`
`regarding
`
`and,
`
`then,
`
`to
`
`file
`
`all
`
`such
`
`claims,
`
`if
`
`they
`
`have
`
`not
`
`done
`
`so
`
`already.
`
`Thereafter,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`must
`
`disclose
`
`all
`
`such
`
`exposure
`
`evidence
`
`that
`
`has
`
`been
`
`presented
`
`to
`
`the
`
`bankruptcy
`
`trusts,
`
`and
`
`certify
`
`that
`
`their
`
`investigation
`
`is
`
`complete
`
`that
`
`all
`
`claims
`
`have
`
`been
`
`filed,
`
`and
`
`produce
`
`all
`
`supporting
`
`documentation
`
`and
`
`releases.
`
`1
`
`to disclose
`passed laws requiring
`Georgia, Ohio, Texas, and West Virginia
`asbestos trust claims
`plaintiffs
`and related
`materials
`to promote
`transparency.
`(See, e.g., Ga. Code Ann.
`§ 51-14-7
`(2013); Ohio Revised Code §§ 2307.951-954;
`Texas H. B. 1492 effective
`September
`Senate Bill 411, effective
`1, 2015; West Virginia
`June 11, 2015). Pennsylvania,
`and Wisconsin
`have proposed
`similar
`bills recently.
`(See, e.g., Pennsylvania
`House Bill No.
`Illinois,
`Oklahoma,
`1150;
`Illinois
`House Bill No. HB0153;
`Oklahoma
`Senate Bill 404; Wisconsin
`Bill
`19/Senate Bill
`13).
`Assembly
`
`11622565. 1
`
`- 5 -
`
`7 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: ONONDAGA COUNTY CLERK 01/19/2018 11:31 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 432
`
`INDEX NO. 2015EF4176
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/19/2018
`
`C.
`
`The
`
`Trust
`
`Claims
`
`Here
`
`Are
`
`Consistent
`
`With
`
`Mr.
`
`Beaulieu's
`
`Work
`
`History.
`
`Certainly,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`counsel
`
`does
`
`deny
`
`that
`
`several
`
`bankrupt
`
`entities
`
`manufactured
`
`asbestos
`
`related
`
`products
`
`and
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`decedent
`
`worked
`
`with
`
`products
`
`manufactured
`
`by
`
`at
`
`least
`
`one
`
`bankrupt
`
`entity
`
`(Ex.
`
`B, Plaintiff's
`
`Dep.,
`
`p. 263).
`
`To
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`certain
`
`of
`
`those
`
`products
`
`were
`
`present
`
`at General
`
`Motors
`
`in Massena,
`
`New
`
`York
`
`(or
`
`any
`
`jobsite
`
`where
`
`Plaintiff
`
`worked),
`
`such
`
`rise
`
`to
`
`trust
`
`the mere
`
`presence
`
`of
`
`products
`
`will
`
`automatically
`
`give
`
`bankruptcy
`
`claims,
`
`simply
`
`by
`
`virtue
`
`of Plaintiff's
`
`job
`
`history.
`
`By way
`
`of
`
`example,
`
`Babcock
`
`and Wilcox
`
`("B&W")
`
`has
`
`conceded
`
`through
`
`its
`
`bankruptcy
`
`procedures
`
`that
`
`the mere
`
`presence
`
`of
`
`its
`
`products
`
`at
`
`a
`
`jobsite
`
`alone
`
`would
`
`have
`
`contributed
`
`to
`
`any
`
`alleged
`
`asbestos-related
`
`diseases
`
`of workers
`
`at
`
`that
`
`site,
`
`including
`
`the
`
`development
`
`of mesothelioma
`
`(See Ex. D, B&W Trust
`
`Distribution
`
`Procedures
`
`5.7
`
`(b)(3)
`
`["[w]orking
`
`at a site
`
`prior
`
`to December
`
`31,
`
`1982,
`
`in the
`
`proximity
`
`of a B&W boiler
`
`during
`
`in which
`
`a time
`
`period
`
`the PI Trust
`
`has established
`
`the presence
`
`of a B&W boiler,
`
`or
`
`in the proximity
`
`of
`
`the
`
`performance
`
`of
`
`services
`
`a B&W entity,
`
`by
`
`including
`
`a B&W contracting
`
`unit,
`
`shall
`
`constitute
`
`presumptive
`
`evidence
`
`of
`
`exposure"]).
`
`As
`
`a
`
`result,
`
`any
`
`claimant
`
`who
`
`simply
`
`worked
`
`at
`
`an
`
`"approved
`
`site"
`
`in
`
`proximity
`
`to
`
`a B&W product
`
`may
`
`establish
`
`exposure
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`sustain
`
`a
`
`claim
`
`against
`
`the B&W Trust.
`
`Thus,
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`General
`
`Motors,
`
`Massena
`
`is an approved
`
`site,
`
`Babcock
`
`& Wilcox
`
`can
`
`be established
`
`as a share
`
`of
`
`liability
`
`under
`
`Article
`
`16 of
`
`the CPLR.
`
`However,
`
`by
`
`the
`
`very
`
`nature
`
`of
`
`the Court's
`
`expedited
`
`trial
`
`docket,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`the
`
`distinct
`
`advantage
`
`in ability
`
`to
`
`"stage"
`
`a case
`
`so that
`
`the
`
`defendants
`
`are
`
`forced
`
`to trial
`
`without
`
`appropriate
`
`access
`
`to
`
`all
`
`of
`
`the
`
`facts
`
`surrounding
`
`a plaintiffs
`
`exposure
`
`to
`
`all
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`products,
`
`including
`
`bankrupt
`
`entities.
`
`Inexplicably,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`not
`
`disclosed
`
`Proofs
`
`of Claim
`
`forms
`
`and
`
`supporting
`
`documents
`
`for
`
`such
`
`entities
`
`despite
`
`the
`
`pendency
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action
`
`for
`
`almost
`
`2 years.
`
`11622565.1
`
`- 6 -
`
`8 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: ONONDAGA COUNTY CLERK 01/19/2018 11:31 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 432
`
`INDEX NO. 2015EF4176
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/19/2018
`
`Nonetheless,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`intends
`
`to
`
`introduce
`
`expert
`
`testimony
`
`in
`
`this
`
`case
`
`to
`
`the
`
`effect
`
`that
`
`all
`
`occupational
`
`asbestos
`
`exposures
`
`contribute
`
`to
`
`the
`
`development
`
`of
`
`mesothelioma
`
`(Ex.
`
`E,
`
`Amended
`
`Expert
`
`Disclosure).
`
`Thus,
`
`it
`
`is anticipated
`
`that,
`
`in response
`
`to the
`
`evidence
`
`in this
`
`case
`
`and/or
`
`hypotheticals,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`experts
`
`will
`
`agree
`
`not
`
`only
`
`that
`
`Mr.
`
`Beaulieu
`
`was
`
`exposed
`
`to
`
`asbestos
`
`during
`
`his
`
`entire
`
`career,
`
`but
`
`that
`
`all
`
`exposures
`
`contributed
`
`to his
`
`development
`
`working
`
`of
`
`his
`
`disease
`
`(Ex.
`
`E, Amended
`
`Expert
`
`Disclosure).
`
`Although
`
`Lindberg
`
`disputes
`
`the
`
`legitimacy
`
`and
`
`appropriateness
`
`of
`
`that
`
`testimony,
`
`if and
`
`to the
`
`extent
`
`the Court
`
`will
`
`allow
`
`that
`
`opinion
`
`into
`
`evidence,
`
`it
`
`is
`
`essential
`
`that
`
`the
`
`defendants
`
`be
`
`permitted
`
`to
`
`apprise
`
`the
`
`jury
`
`about
`
`all
`
`of
`
`the
`
`exposures
`
`Mr.
`
`Beaulieu
`
`had
`
`throughout
`
`his
`
`lifetime
`
`so that
`
`the jury
`
`may
`
`weigh
`
`that
`
`evidence
`
`and
`
`assess
`
`to bankrupt
`
`entities.
`
`Given
`
`Mr.
`
`Beaulieu's
`
`asbestos
`
`exposures
`
`and
`
`liability
`
`the
`
`existence
`
`of
`
`numerous
`
`bankrupt
`
`trust
`
`claims,
`
`Lindberg
`
`requests
`
`that
`
`this
`
`Court
`
`order
`
`both
`
`the
`
`completion
`
`and
`
`production
`
`of
`
`all
`
`trust
`
`claims
`
`before
`
`the
`
`commencement
`
`of
`
`trial.
`
`The mandated
`
`disclosures
`
`should
`
`include
`
`all
`
`Proofs
`
`of
`
`Claim
`
`(whether
`
`or
`
`not
`
`already
`
`disclosed),
`
`all
`
`supporting
`
`evidence
`
`and
`
`documentation,
`
`including
`
`all
`
`releases,
`
`and
`
`certification
`
`by
`
`counsel
`
`that
`
`her
`
`investigation
`
`is
`
`completeand
`
`thatallclaimshavebeenfiledandprocessed.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`attorneys
`
`have
`
`access
`
`to resources
`
`to
`
`the
`
`needed
`
`certainly
`
`supply
`
`information,
`
`and
`
`in
`
`fact
`
`likely
`
`maintain
`
`detailed
`
`records
`
`and
`
`databases
`
`regarding
`
`every
`
`company
`
`with
`
`asbestos-related
`
`products,
`
`including
`
`all
`
`bankrupt
`
`entities.
`
`Accordingly,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`counsel
`
`undoubtedly
`
`has
`
`the
`
`ability
`
`to quickly
`
`and
`
`efficiently
`
`determine
`
`what
`
`products
`
`were
`
`known
`
`to be
`
`at specific
`
`locations
`
`and
`
`to complete
`
`all
`
`paperwork
`
`necessary
`
`to finalize
`
`the
`
`relevant
`
`bankruptcy
`
`trust
`
`claims,
`
`and
`
`the Court
`
`should
`
`issue
`
`an Order
`
`that
`
`requires
`
`Plaintiff
`
`to
`
`complete
`
`and
`
`submit
`
`11622565.1
`
`- 7 -
`
`9 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: ONONDAGA COUNTY CLERK 01/19/2018 11:31 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 432
`
`INDEX NO. 2015EF4176
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/19/2018
`
`any
`
`information
`
`related
`
`to
`
`expected
`
`bankruptcy
`
`trust
`
`claims
`
`in
`
`order
`
`to
`
`stave
`
`off
`
`the
`
`kind
`
`of
`
`bankruptcy
`
`trust
`
`abuses
`
`highlighted
`
`in the Garlock
`
`case.
`
`POINT
`
`II
`
`PLAINTIFF'S
`
`PROOF
`ADMITTED
`
`OF CLAIM
`INTO
`
`FORMS
`EVIDENCE
`
`SHOULD
`
`BE
`
`Upon
`
`full
`
`and
`
`complete
`
`disclosure
`
`of
`
`all
`
`Proofs
`
`of
`
`Claim
`
`documents,
`
`Lindberg
`
`respectfully
`
`requests
`
`that
`
`this
`
`Court
`
`concomitantly
`
`issue
`
`an Order
`
`admitting
`
`into
`
`evidence
`
`the
`
`Proof
`
`with
`
`As
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`of Claim
`
`forms,
`
`along
`
`all
`
`supporting
`
`documentation
`
`thereof.
`
`below,
`
`these
`
`documents
`
`constitute
`
`admissions
`
`of
`
`a party
`
`opponent
`
`of
`
`exposure
`
`to
`
`asbestos
`
`containing
`
`products
`
`and
`
`are
`
`further
`
`admissible
`
`under
`
`the
`
`doctrine
`
`of
`
`judicial
`
`estoppel.2
`estoppel.
`
`The
`
`process
`
`by which
`
`to apply
`
`to any
`
`bankrupt
`
`entity
`
`is very
`
`similar.
`
`One must
`
`fill
`
`out
`
`a
`
`Proof
`
`of Claim
`
`form
`
`along
`
`with
`
`providing
`
`required
`
`documentation
`
`and
`
`submit
`
`it
`
`to the
`
`bankrupt
`
`is
`
`then
`
`nature
`
`of
`
`entity's
`
`trust.
`
`The
`
`form
`
`analyzed
`
`as to
`
`proof
`
`of
`
`exposure
`
`and medical
`
`injury.
`
`Thus,
`
`the
`
`Proof
`
`of Claim
`
`form
`
`is proof
`
`or
`
`evidence
`
`of
`
`the
`
`injured
`
`claimant's
`
`exposure
`
`to
`
`that
`
`particular
`
`bankrupt
`
`entity's
`
`product
`
`along
`
`with
`
`proof
`
`of
`
`an
`
`asbestos-related
`
`injury
`
`or
`
`disease.
`
`These
`
`Proof
`
`of
`
`Claim
`
`forms
`
`moreover
`
`require
`
`and
`
`contain
`
`claimant's/plaintiff's
`
`statements,
`
`affirmations,
`
`affidavits
`
`representations,
`
`and
`
`testimony
`
`of
`
`their
`
`exposure.
`
`from
`
`the
`
`submitted
`
`Proofs
`
`of Claim
`
`cannot
`
`and
`
`should
`
`not
`
`be
`
`separated
`
`evidence
`
`with
`
`such
`
`form
`
`because
`
`the
`
`form
`
`along
`
`with
`
`the
`
`supporting
`
`evidence
`
`is the Proof
`
`of Claim.
`
`along
`
`They
`
`together
`
`are
`
`one
`
`document
`
`and,
`
`as
`
`such,
`
`should
`
`be
`
`treated
`
`as one
`
`document,
`
`which
`
`is
`
`the way
`
`courts
`
`in New
`
`York
`
`have
`
`always
`
`treated
`
`them
`
`(See,
`
`e.g.,
`
`Drabczyk
`
`v. Amchem
`
`Products,
`
`Inc.,
`
`2 While
`Plaintiff's
`direction
`plaintiff's
`v. Beatrice
`
`counsel
`and with
`Shainswit,
`
`Proof
`filed
`Plaintiff's
`plaintiff's
`authority
`274 (1971)
`37 A.D.2d
`
`on his behalf,
`of Claim forms
`to act as his agent on his behalf.
`Lowenstein
`v. Flauraud,
`(citing
`
`plaintiff's
`See, e.g.,
`82 N.Y.
`
`did this
`under
`counsel
`In the Matter
`of David
`494 (1880)).
`
`11622565.1
`
`- 8 -
`
`10 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: ONONDAGA COUNTY CLERK 01/19/2018 11:31 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 432
`
`INDEX NO. 2015EF4176
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/19/2018
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`2005/1583
`
`[Sup
`
`Ct.
`
`Erie
`
`Co.,
`
`Jan.
`
`18,
`
`2008]
`
`[Ex.
`
`F];
`
`In
`
`the Matter
`
`of New York
`
`City
`
`Asbestos
`
`Litig.,
`
`37 Misc.3d
`
`1232(A)
`
`[Sup.
`
`Ct. N.Y.
`
`Co.,
`
`Nov.
`
`15,
`
`2012]
`
`[Ex.
`
`G];
`
`Negrepont
`
`v.
`
`AC&S,
`
`Inc.,
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`120894/01
`
`[Sup.
`
`Ct. N.Y.
`
`Co.,
`
`Dec.
`
`11,
`
`2003]
`
`[Ex.
`
`H];
`
`Kiernan
`
`v. A.W
`
`Chesterton
`
`Company,
`
`et
`
`al.,
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`111236/07
`
`[Sup.
`
`Ct. N.Y.
`
`Co.,
`
`Apr.
`
`2,
`
`[Ex.
`
`I]).
`
`2008]
`
`This
`
`is
`
`in
`
`part,
`
`because
`
`Proof
`
`of Claim
`
`forms
`
`are
`
`"accurate
`
`statements
`
`of
`
`the
`
`facts
`
`concerning
`
`asbestos
`
`exposure
`
`of
`
`the
`
`plaintiffs"
`
`and
`
`are therefore
`
`"material
`
`and
`
`necessary"
`
`to the
`
`litigation
`
`of
`
`the
`
`action
`
`(Negrepont,
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`120894/01,
`
`at 3-4; New York
`
`City
`
`Asbestos
`
`Litig.,
`
`37 Misc.3d
`
`1232(A),
`
`at 12)
`
`(Exs.
`
`G 4 H).
`
`A.
`
`Proof
`
`Of Claim
`
`Forms
`
`Constitute
`
`Admissions
`
`By A Party
`
`Opponent.
`
`More
`
`importantly,
`
`however,
`
`Proof
`
`of Claim
`
`forms
`
`meet
`
`an exception
`
`to the
`
`rule
`
`hearsay
`
`admissions3
`admissions
`
`as
`
`by
`
`a party-opponent
`
`(See Drabczyk,
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`2005/1583,
`
`p.
`
`5;
`
`In
`
`the Matter
`
`of
`
`New
`
`York
`
`City
`
`Asbestos
`
`Litigation,
`
`37 Misc.3d
`
`1232(A),
`
`pp.
`
`15-16;
`
`Negrepont,
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`120894/01,
`
`p. 4; Kiernan,
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`111236/07,
`
`at 1288)
`
`(Exs.
`
`F-I).
`
`An admission
`
`by
`
`definition
`
`is a statement
`
`made
`
`or act
`
`that
`
`amounts
`
`to a prior
`
`acknowledgment
`
`by
`
`one
`
`of
`
`the
`
`parties
`
`of
`
`one
`
`of
`
`the
`
`relevant
`
`facts.
`
`"Admissions
`
`of
`
`material
`
`to
`
`the
`
`issue
`
`always
`
`competent
`
`evidence
`
`against
`
`him
`
`wherever,
`
`whenever
`
`or
`
`to whomever
`
`made"
`
`(See
`
`Smolinski
`
`v.
`
`by
`
`a party
`
`any
`
`fact
`
`are
`
`Smolinski,
`
`78
`
`A.D.3d
`
`1642
`
`[4th
`
`Dep't
`
`2010];
`
`People
`
`v.
`
`Chico,
`
`90
`
`N.Y.2d
`
`585
`
`[1997]).
`
`Correspondingly,
`
`Justice
`
`Helen
`
`E.
`
`Freedman
`
`held
`
`applied
`
`this
`
`rationale
`
`in Negrepont,
`
`supra.
`
`Specifically,
`
`Justice
`
`Freedman
`
`stated
`
`that,
`
`"[w]hile
`
`the
`
`proof
`
`of
`
`claim
`
`are
`
`partially
`
`settlement
`
`3 Courts
`also admitted
`jurisdictions
`in other
`et al. v. Alcoa,
`admissions.
`See, e.g., Brassfield,
`Sgambati
`November
`Texas,
`8, 2006);
`County,
`Common
`Pleas, Allegheny
`County,
`Pennsylvania,
`43 Cal. Rptr.3d
`723 (2006).
`
`have
`
`Proof
`plaintiffs
`et al., Trial
`Inc.,
`v. Allied
`Signal,
`25, 2005);
`May
`
`of Claims
`since
`into
`forms
`are
`evidence
`they
`Court
`Case No.
`(Dis. Ct. Harris
`2005-08035,
`et al., Case No. GD 04-06944
`(Court
`of
`Inc.,
`Volkswagen
`Inc.
`v. Superior
`of America,
`Court,
`
`11622565.!
`
`- 9 -
`
`11 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: ONONDAGA COUNTY CLERK 01/19/2018 11:31 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 432
`
`INDEX NO. 2015EF4176
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/19/2018
`
`documents,
`
`they
`
`are
`
`also
`
`presumably
`
`accurate
`
`statements
`
`exposure
`
`of
`
`of
`
`the
`
`plaintiffs.
`
`While
`
`they may
`
`be
`
`filed
`
`by
`
`the
`
`attorneys,
`
`the
`
`attorneys
`
`do
`
`stand
`
`in
`
`the
`
`shoes
`
`of
`
`the
`
`plaintiffs
`
`and
`
`an
`
`attorney's
`
`statement
`
`is admission
`
`under
`
`New York
`
`law"
`
`(Id.
`
`at 3-4)
`
`(Ex.
`
`H)
`
`(emphasis
`
`added).
`
`Justice
`
`Freedman's
`
`ruling
`
`in Negrepont
`
`was
`
`upheld
`
`by
`
`Justice
`
`Heitler
`
`in
`
`the Matter
`
`of
`
`New York
`
`City
`
`Asbestos
`
`Litigation,
`
`37 Misc.3d
`
`1232(A)
`
`finding
`
`that,
`
`"Justice
`
`Freedman
`
`makes
`
`very
`
`clear
`
`that...factual
`
`statements
`
`made
`
`in
`
`the
`
`context
`
`of
`
`settlement
`
`negotiations
`
`are
`
`-
`
`can
`
`be
`
`construed
`
`as quasi-judicial
`
`admissions
`
`on behalf
`
`of a
`
`party"
`
`(Id.
`
`at 16)
`
`(Ex.
`
`G).
`
`Likewise,
`
`Justice
`
`Kornreich
`
`in Kiernan
`
`v. A.W.
`
`Chesterton
`
`Company,
`
`supra,
`
`held
`
`that
`
`since
`
`the
`
`Proofs
`
`of Claim
`
`are
`
`admissions,
`
`they
`
`are
`
`admissible
`
`evidence
`
`at
`
`the
`
`trial
`
`of
`
`the matter
`
`and
`
`she
`
`allowed
`
`the Proof
`
`of Claim
`
`forms
`
`into
`
`evidence
`
`(Ex.
`
`I).
`
`Justice
`
`Lane
`
`likewise
`
`also
`
`concluded
`
`that
`
`Proof
`
`of Claims
`
`and
`
`are party
`
`admissions
`
`therefore
`
`are
`
`admissible,
`
`specifically
`
`holding
`
`that:
`
`The
`
`doctrine
`
`concerning
`claim
`filed
`by
`to
`employed
`made
`in it are
`
`judicial
`informal
`exposure
`his
`
`attorney
`settlement
`
`of
`plaintiff's
`him
`or
`encourage
`admissible.
`
`to
`
`admissions
`asbestos
`.
`. Even
`
`.
`
`discussions,
`
`applies
`in
`found
`if
`a proof
`admissions
`
`to
`a proof
`claim
`of
`of
`
`facts
`of
`is
`fact
`
`(Drabczyk,
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`2005/1583,
`
`at 5)
`
`(Ex.
`
`F).
`
`Here,
`
`to
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`the
`
`Proof
`
`of Claim
`
`forms
`
`filed
`
`on
`
`behalf
`
`of Mr.
`
`Beaulieu
`
`contain
`
`representations
`
`and
`
`reference
`
`affidavits
`
`regarding
`
`his
`
`exposure
`
`to
`
`asbestos
`
`containing
`
`products,
`
`they
`
`constitute
`
`admissions
`
`and
`
`should
`
`be
`
`admitted
`
`into
`
`evidence
`
`at
`
`the
`
`trial
`
`of
`
`this matter.
`
`In
`
`a
`
`Proof
`
`of Claim,
`
`a plaintiff
`
`states
`
`facts
`
`as to
`
`the
`
`source
`
`of
`
`asbestos-containing
`
`products
`
`to which
`
`he was
`
`exposed,
`
`during
`
`what
`
`years
`
`he was
`
`exposed,
`
`that
`
`he was
`
`exposed
`
`to
`
`asbestos
`
`containing
`
`products
`
`from
`
`each
`
`bankrupt
`
`entity,
`
`that
`
`he
`
`sustained
`
`an
`
`asbestos
`
`related
`
`injury
`
`from
`
`that
`
`exposure
`
`from
`
`those
`
`bankrupts'
`
`products,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`date
`
`of
`
`his
`
`diagnosis,
`
`among
`
`other
`
`facts
`
`that
`
`constitute
`
`proof
`
`of
`
`liability
`
`and
`
`causation.
`
`as set
`
`forth
`
`in their
`
`expert
`
`disclosure,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`Further,
`- 10 -
`
`11622565.I
`
`12 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: ONONDAGA COUNTY CLERK 01/19/2018 11:31 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 432
`
`INDEX NO. 2015EF4176
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/19/2018
`
`will
`
`undoubtedly
`
`contend
`
`at
`
`trial
`
`that
`
`every
`
`exposure
`
`of Mr.
`
`Beaulieu
`
`asbestos
`
`contributed
`
`to
`
`causing
`
`the
`
`development
`
`of his mesothelioma
`
`(See
`
`Ex.
`
`E, Expert
`
`Reports).
`
`Thus,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`own
`
`theory
`
`of
`
`liability
`
`in this
`
`case
`
`(which
`
`Lindberg
`
`disputes)
`
`is that
`
`every
`
`exposure
`
`carries
`
`a measure
`
`of
`
`responsibility.
`
`Considering
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`position
`
`in
`
`this
`
`regard,
`
`viable
`
`defendants
`
`and
`
`the
`
`jury
`
`cannot
`
`be
`
`denied
`
`access
`
`to
`
`alternative
`
`exposures
`
`in
`
`addition
`
`to
`
`those
`
`asbestos
`
`alleged
`
`in
`
`the
`
`complaint.
`
`B.
`
`Proof
`The
`Estoppel.
`
`Of
`
`Claim
`
`Forms
`
`Are
`
`Admissible
`
`Under
`
`The
`
`Doctrine
`
`Of
`
`Judicial
`
`Aside
`
`from
`
`being
`
`admissions,
`
`the
`
`proof
`
`of
`
`claim
`
`forms
`
`are
`
`also
`
`admissible
`
`under
`
`the
`
`doctrine
`
`of
`
`judicial
`
`estoppel.
`
`"The
`
`doctrine
`
`of
`
`judicial
`
`estoppel
`
`or
`
`estoppel
`
`against
`
`inconsistent
`
`positions
`
`precludes
`
`a party
`
`from
`
`taking
`
`a position
`
`in
`
`one
`
`legal
`
`proceeding
`
`which
`
`is
`
`contrary
`
`to
`
`he
`
`or
`
`she
`
`took
`
`in
`
`that
`
`which
`
`changed"
`
`a prior
`
`proceeding,
`
`simply
`
`because
`
`his
`
`or
`
`her
`
`interests
`
`have
`
`(Festinger
`
`v. Edrich,
`
`32 A.D.3d
`
`412,
`
`413
`
`[2d
`
`Dep't
`
`2006]
`
`[citations
`
`omitted]).
`
`The
`
`doctrine
`
`applies
`
`to representations
`
`made
`
`in bankruptcy
`
`proceedings
`
`(See Matter
`
`of Colonial
`
`Sur.
`
`Co.
`
`v. Lakeview
`
`Advisors,
`
`LLC,
`
`125 A.D.3d
`
`1292,
`
`1296-1297
`
`[4th
`
`Dep't
`
`2015]
`
`[holding
`
`judicial
`
`estoppel
`
`barred
`
`a party
`
`from
`
`taking
`
`a position
`
`contrary
`
`to
`
`a representation
`
`made
`
`in a bankruptcy
`
`proceeding]).
`
`to
`
`the
`
`extent
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`asbestos
`
`trust
`
`contain
`
`Here,
`
`bankruptcy
`
`claims
`
`forms
`
`representations
`
`submitted
`
`in
`
`bankruptcy
`
`proceedings
`
`(which
`
`are
`
`quasi-judicial
`
`proceedings)
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is bound
`
`by
`
`any
`
`statements
`
`contained
`
`—
`therein-whether
`
`signed
`
`by
`
`the Plaintiff
`
`himself
`
`or
`
`his
`
`authorized
`
`representative-under
`
`the
`
`doctrine
`
`of
`
`judicial
`
`estoppel.
`
`Concomitantly,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is barred
`
`from
`
`taking
`
`wholly
`
`inconsistent
`
`positions
`
`in this
`
`plenary
`
`action.
`
`As
`
`such,
`
`no
`
`straight-face
`
`argument
`
`can
`
`be made
`
`that
`
`sworn
`
`statements
`
`of
`
`exposure
`
`to
`
`asbestos
`
`products
`
`are
`
`11622565.1
`
`- 11 -
`
`13 of 15
`
`

`

`FILED: ONONDAGA COUNTY CLERK 01/19/2018 11:31 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 432
`
`INDEX NO. 2015EF4176
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/19/2018
`
`inadmissible
`
`in
`
`a trial
`
`for
`
`alleged
`
`injury
`
`from
`
`exposure
`
`to
`
`asbestos.
`
`"The
`
`doctrine
`
`of
`
`judicial
`
`estoppel
`
`does
`
`not
`
`permit
`
`[a
`
`plaintiffj
`
`to
`
`assert
`
`this
`
`inconsistent
`
`position
`
`merely
`
`because
`
`his
`
`interests
`
`have
`
`changed"
`
`(Kilcer
`
`v. Niagara
`
`Mohawk
`
`Power
`
`Corp.,
`
`86 A.D.3d
`
`682,
`
`684
`
`[3d Dep't
`
`2011]).
`
`C.
`
`The
`
`Proof
`
`Of Claim
`
`Forms
`
`Would
`
`Be Admissible
`
`On Cross-Examination.
`
`proof
`
`of
`
`claim
`
`and
`
`exposure
`
`information
`
`sought
`
`here
`
`is
`
`also
`
`relevant
`
`and
`
`Finally,
`
`the
`
`admissible
`
`at
`
`trial
`
`to
`
`establish
`
`that
`
`Lindberg
`
`products
`
`were
`
`not
`
`the
`
`source
`
`(or
`
`at
`
`the
`
`very
`
`least,
`
`not
`
`the
`
`primary
`
`or
`
`sole
`
`source)
`
`of
`
`exposure
`
`or
`
`a substantial
`
`factor
`
`in causing
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`alleged
`
`asbestos
`
`disease
`
`in
`
`this
`
`matter.
`
`For
`
`example,
`
`this
`
`information
`
`could
`
`be
`
`used
`
`during
`
`cross-
`
`examination
`
`of
`
`co-workers
`
`and
`
`product
`
`identification
`
`witnesses,
`
`(such
`
`as Daniel
`
`Love
`
`and
`
`produced
`
`for
`
`as with
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`experts.
`
`William
`
`Arquiette
`
`who
`
`were
`
`depositions),
`
`as well
`
`Moreover,
`
`the Proof
`
`of Claim
`
`forms
`
`will
`
`inevitably
`
`provide
`
`the
`
`jury
`
`with
`
`a better
`
`understanding
`
`and more
`
`accurate
`
`depiction
`
`of Mr.
`
`Beaulieu's
`
`true
`
`asbestos
`
`exposures,
`
`both
`
`in
`
`quantity
`
`quality,
`
`rather
`
`than
`
`simply
`
`those
`
`exposures
`
`that
`
`Plaintiff
`
`selectively
`
`elects
`
`to
`
`identify
`
`and
`
`and
`
`emphasize
`
`at
`
`trial.
`
`Accordingly,
`
`the Court
`
`should
`
`issue
`
`an Order
`
`that will
`
`permit
`
`the jury
`
`to take
`
`into
`
`account
`
`all
`
`evidence
`
`of Plaintiff's
`
`disease.
`
`CONCLUSION
`
`known
`
`or
`
`The
`
`bankruptcy
`
`trust
`
`information
`
`sought
`
`through
`
`this motion
`
`is already
`
`readily
`
`obtainable
`
`by
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`her
`
`counsel,
`
`and
`
`should
`
`be
`
`turned
`
`over
`
`to
`
`the
`
`Defendants
`
`immediately.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`cannot
`
`be
`
`permitted
`
`to
`
`apply
`
`for
`
`compensation
`
`from
`
`a trust,
`
`using
`
`evidence
`
`of
`
`asbestos
`
`exposures
`
`that
`
`contributed
`
`to Plaintiff's
`
`mesothelioma
`
`that
`
`was
`
`ignored,
`
`suppressed,
`
`or de-emphasized
`
`at
`
`trial.
`
`As
`
`noted
`
`above,
`
`closing
`
`the
`
`gap
`
`between
`
`trust
`
`claims
`
`and
`
`i I 622565. i
`
`- 12 -
`
`14 of 15
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`

`

`FILED: ONONDAGA COUNTY CLERK 01/19/2018 11:31 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 432
`
`INDEX NO. 2015EF4176
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 01/19/2018
`
`the
`
`tort
`
`trial
`
`is
`
`the
`
`only
`
`way
`
`to
`
`ensure
`
`that
`
`all
`
`parties
`
`receive
`
`all
`
`relevant
`
`information
`
`and
`
`evidence
`
`to enough
`
`time
`
`to use them
`
`at
`
`trial.
`
`The
`
`claim
`
`filings
`
`and
`
`disclosures
`
`must
`
`occur
`
`in advance
`
`of
`
`trial
`
`to
`
`allow
`
`Defendants
`
`fair
`
`time
`
`to
`
`use
`
`the
`
`disclosed
`
`information
`
`in
`
`the
`
`upcoming
`
`trial,
`
`and
`
`to
`
`ensure
`
`the
`
`verdict
`
`slip
`
`is as
`
`complete
`
`and
`
`accurate
`
`as possible.
`
`This
`
`includes,
`
`but
`
`is not
`
`limited
`
`to,
`
`the
`
`claims
`
`themselves,
`
`copies
`
`of
`
`all
`
`each
`
`possible
`
`releases,
`
`evidence
`
`supporting
`
`claim,
`
`and
`
`all
`
`information
`
`and
`
`documentation
`
`related
`
`to
`
`those
`
`claims,
`
`whether
`
`known
`
`by
`
`Plaintiff
`
`personally
`
`or
`
`known
`
`by
`
`and/or
`
`available
`
`to
`
`counsel
`
`filing
`
`claims
`
`on
`
`their
`
`behalf.
`
`Thus
`
`for
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`reasons,
`
`Lindberg
`
`respectfully
`
`requests
`
`the Court
`
`issue
`
`the Orders
`
`sought
`
`herein,
`
`along
`
`with
`
`such
`
`other
`
`relief
`
`the Court
`
`deems
`
`just,
`
`fair
`
`and
`
`proper.
`
`DATED:
`
`January
`
`19, 2018
`
`ARCLAt
`
`i
`
`I
`
`By:
`
`DA
`
`ON LLP
`
`mda
`David
`
`J. Clark
`M. Cost
`
`for
`
`Defendant
`
`Address
`
`Attorneys
`Lindberg/MPH
`Office
`and Post Office
`80 State
`Street
`New York
`
`Albany,
`Telephone:
`
`12207
`429-4241
`
`(518)
`
`11622565.]
`
`- 13 -
`
`15 of 15
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`