Successor liability still stands

Crown Holdings, Inc. is a century-old packaging company that has a facility in Owatonna. At the expense of those suffering from asbestosis and mesothelioma, it would have been the beneficiary of a bill vetoed by Gov. Mark Dayton April 9.

The legislation would have “fundamentally and unfairly” altered state law regarding corporate successor liability, Dayton wrote in his veto letter. “I am convinced that this legislation will have a broad scope and will set a dangerous precedent for future efforts to shield corporate defendants from liability.”

Crown faces several asbestos-related lawsuits, encumbered through their merger decades ago with a company that used asbestos before the dangers were known.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Kelby Woodard (R-Belle Plaine) and Sen. Mike Parry (R-Waseca), would have overturned Minnesota law on corporate successor liability as it relates to asbestos-related injuries.

“The cancer causing nature of asbestos has long been known, and it will continue to claim lives across Minnesota and the country for years to come.” Dayton wrote. He added that people should expect fairness in the courtroom and “demand legislation that does not change the course of litigation when potential injuries are known to exist.”

HF1418/ SF1236*/CH168