Former Employee Loses Asbestos Lawsuit against Ford Motors

A Jefferson County jury decided that the prosecution did not make its case in regards to an ex Ford Motor Cp., millwright who filed an asbestos related law suit.  Plaintiff  James Rehm brought the complaint against the company after he developed mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos.

The verdict was handed down in favor of Ford Motor Co. and Garlock Sealing Technologies this week, but Rehms lawyer, Joe Satterly, plans to appeal the decision on the basis that hearsay was allowed  during the trial.  He also complained that Garlock had the ability to change an expert witness at the last minute.

Rehm worked as a millwright for several plants in the Louisville KY area in September 1977 through March 1981. The plants were owned by Ford, General Electric, International Harvester and Rohm & Haas.

Rehm also indicated that the asbestos laden gaskets he often encountered  on the job were manufactured by Garlock Sealing Technologies.

Despite the fact that mesothelioma is indeed an asbestos related cancer, the defense was able to bring up the fact that Rhem had sued other companies he worked for prior to his employment with Ford  in relation to his  condition. They also claim he reached an untold settlement amount with these companies.  The defense called such information hearsay and threatened to debunk it in the next trial.

The jury took less than an hour to return a verdict in favor of both Garlock and Ford.

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