On December 17, 2010 a
Answer
was filed
involving a dispute between
Ross, Jean,
Ross, Robert,
and
Acco Engineered Systems, Inc.,
Advanced Mechanical,
Advance Mechanical Contractors, Inc.,
Air Systems Mechanical Contractor,
A & K Heating Company, Inc.,
Albay Construction Company,
Allen-Simmons Heating & Sheet Metal Company Inc.,
Allied Fire Protection,
Allied Sprinkler Company, Inc.,
Allsberry Mechanical Corporation,
Anderson, Rowe & Buckley, Inc.,
Associated Insulation Of California,
A. Teichert & Son, Inc.,
Balliet Bros. Construction Corporation,
Banner Drywall & Painting Co. Inc.,
Barnes Construction Co.,
Bayer Cropscience Inc.,
Bayer Cropscience, Inc., Successor To Amchem,
Bell Products Inc.,
Beta Mechanical Contractors, L.P.,
Bragg Investment Company, Inc.,
Cahill Construction Co., Inc.,
Cahill Construction Services, Inc.,
Cahill Contractors, Inc.,
California Drywall Co.,
Castro Construction, Inc.,
C.C. Moore & Co. Engineers,
Cincinnati Valve Company,
Cjr Plastering,
Clausen-Patten, Inc.,
Clausen-Patten, Inc., A Dissolved Corporation,
Climate Air, Inc.,
Climate Control Co., Inc.,
Collins Electrical Company, Inc.,
Commair Mechanical Services,
Consolidated Insulation, Inc.,
Cosco Fire Protection, Inc.,
Cosco Sprinkler,
Critchfield Mechanical, Inc.,
C & R Plastering, Inc.,
Csk Auto, Inc.,
Cupertino Electric, Inc.,
Delucchi Sheet Metal Works,
Dilland Sederberg Plumbing,
Does 1-8500,
Domco Products Texas Inc.,
Domco Products Texas, L.P.,
Donovan Construction,
Dorn Refrigeration,
Dorn Refrigeration And Air Conditioning,
Dpr Construction,
Duro Dyne Corporation,
D.W. Nicholson Corporation,
D. Zelinsky & Sons, Inc.,
Emil J. Weber Electric Co.,
Erwin Mechanical Inc.,
Ex- Fme, Inc. (Fka Fischbach And Moore Electric,,
Fairmont Hotel Company,
Fluor Corporation,
Foley Electric Co.,
Foley Electric, Inc.,
Fuller Floors,
General Mills, Inc.,
Giampolini & Co.,
Graybar Electric Company, Inc.,
Hanson Permanente Cement, Inc. Formerly Known As,
Harold Beasley Plumbing And Heating, Inc.,
Harry Lee Plumbing & Heating,
H & C Investment Associates, Inc.,
Henry C. Beck Company,
Imperial Plastering & Drywall,
Insulation Specialties, Inc.,
James A. Nelson Co., Inc.,
Johnson Controls, Inc.,
Jones Plastering Company,
Joseph Bruno Sheet Metal Co., Inc.,
J.T. Thorpe & Son, Inc.,
J.W. Mcclenahan Company,
J.W. Mcclenahan Company, Inc.,
Kentile Floors, Inc.,
Laub Sheet Metal Works,
Lone Star Industries, Inc.,
Mack Construction Co.,
Magee, Robert,
Malm Metal Products, Inc.,
Marine Engineering And Supply Company,
Marshco Auto Parts, Inc.,
Mattock Construction Company,
Mcclure Electric, Inc.,
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company,
Michael Brothers,
Midstate Mechanical, Inc.,
Mitchell Bros. Truck Lines, Inc.,
Monsanto Company, Sued As "Pharmacia Corporation",
Oakfabco, Inc.,
Ortho-Craft,
Pacific Fireproofing,
Pacific Mechanical Corporation,
Parker Insulation Contracting & Supply Co. Inc.,
Perini Corporation,
Pharmacia Corporation, Which Will Do Business In,
Pribuss Engineering,
Pribuss Engineering, Inc.,
Raymond Interior Systems-North,
Red Top Electric Co. Emeryville, Inc.,
Robert Magee,
Rollie R. French, Inc.,
Rollins Construction,
Rountree Plumbing & Heating Inc.,
Scott Co. Of California,
S F L, Inc.,
S.J. Amoroso Construction Co., Inc.,
Slakey Brothers, Inc.,
Sugden Engineering Co.,
Swinerton Builders,
Temper Insulation,
Temporary Plant Cleaners, Inc.,
Texaco, Inc.,
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company,
The W.W. Henry Company,
Tuttle And Bailey Corp,
Van Mulder Sheetmetal,
Van-Mulder Sheet Metal, Inc.,
Walnut Creek Sheet Metal, Furnace & Air,
W.C. Thomason,
W.C. Thompson,
Webcor Builders, Inc.,
Westburne Supply, Inc.,
Willard Electric,
Wright Schuchart Harbor,
Wright Schuchart Harbor Company,
Ross, Jean,
Ross, Robert,
for civil
in the District Court of San Francisco County.
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Edward R. Hugo [Bar No. 124839]
P.M. Bessette [Bar No. 127588]
BRYDON HUGO & PARKER
135 Main Street, 20 Floor ELECTRONICALLY
San Francisco, California 94105 FILED
Telephone: (415) 808-0300 Superior Court of California,
Facsimile: (415) 808-0333 County of San Francisco
Email: seryice@bhplaw.com MAY 11 2012
Clerk of the Court
Attorneys for Defendant BY WUDITH ae epuly Clerk
PERINT CORPORATION
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
ROBERT ROSS and JEAN ROSS, (ASBESTOS)
SFSC No. CGC-10-275731
Plaintiffs,
ANSWER OF PERINI CORPORATION
vs. TO PLAINTIFFS’ THIRD AMENDED
COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY
C.C. MOORE & CO. ENGINEERS, et al., | AND LOSS OF CONSORTIUM -
ASBESTOS
Defendants.
COMES NOW Defendant PERINI CORPORATION (“PERINI” or “Defendant”)
denying liability for itself and any alternate entities named in the complaint, and answers
Plaintiffs’ Third Amended Complaint for Personal Injury and Loss of Consortium —
Asbestos (hereinafter the “Complaint”) on file as follows (it is to be noted that on May 8,
2012, the Court denied Plaintiffs’ motion to file a Third Amended Complaint as to the
proposed claim based on the May 2009 asbestosis diagnosis as plaintiff Robert Ross had a
prior action based on that claim, and granted all other aspects of Plaintiffs’ motion):
GENERAL DENIAL
Under the provisions of Section 431.30(d), California Code of Civil Procedure,
this answering defendant denies each and every allegation of Plaintiffs’ Complaint and
the whole thereof, and denies that plaintiff has been damaged in any sum or amount
whatsoever, or at all, and denies that plaintiff is entitled to recover damages of any
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ANSWER OF PERIN] CORPORATION TO PLAINTIFFS’ THIRD AMENDED COMPLAINT FOR
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RESERVATION OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY
PERINI reserves the right to a trial by jury.
AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES
FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Failure to State a Cause of Action
This answering defendant alleges that Plaintiffs’ Complaint and each of the causes
of action for relief alleged therein, fails to state a cause of action against this answering
defendant.
SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Contravention of Defendant's Constitutional Rights to Due Process of Law
The Complaint and each cause of action thereof, which is admittedly based upon a
lack of identification of the manufacturer of, and contractor using or distributing the
alleged injury-causing product, fails to state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action
in that plaintiff has asserted a claim for relief which, if granted, would contravene
defendant's constitutional rights to substantive and procedural due process of law as
preserved for defendant by the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution
and by Article L, Section 7, of the Constitution of the State of California.
THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Denial of Defendant's Constitutional Rights to Equal Protection of the Laws
The Complaint, and each cause of action thereof, fails to state facts sufficient to
constitute a cause of action in that plaintiff has asserted claims for relief which, if granted,
would constitute a denial by this Court of defendant's constitutional right to equal
protection of the laws as preserved by the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States
Constitution and by Article I, Section 7, of the Constitution of the State of California.
FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Unconstitutional Taking of Private Property for Public Use Without Just Compensation
The Complaint, and each cause of action thereof, which is admittedly based upon
a lack of identification of the manufacturer, and contractor using or distributing the
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alleged injury-causing product, fails to state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action
in that plaintiff has asserted claims for relief which, if granted, would constitute the
taking of private property for public use without just compensation in contravention of
the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution and by Article I,
Section 7 and 19, of the Constitution of the State of California, and the applicable
California statutes.
FIFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Comparative Fault
This answering defendant alleges that the damages, if any, complained of by
plaintiff, were proximately caused by the negligence, fault, breach of contract and/or
strict liability of plaintiff or other defendants, firms, persons, corporations, unions,
employers and entities other than PERINI, and that said negligence, fault, breach of
contract and/or strict liability comparatively reduces the percentage of any negligence,
fault, breach of contract or strict liability for which PERINI is legally responsible, if any
be found, which liability this defendant expressly denies. Further, this answering
defendant alleges that plaintiff did not exercise ordinary care, caution or prudence to
avoid the incidents complained of herein, and said incidents and the injuries and
damages, if any, sustained by plaintiff, were directly and proximately caused and
contributed to by the carelessness and negligence of said plaintiff.
SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Contributory Negligence
This answering defendant alleges that plaintiff did not exercise ordinary care,
caution or prudence to avoid the incidents complained of herein, and said incidents and
the injuries and damages, if any, sustained by plaintiff, were directly and proximately
caused and contributed to by the carelessness and negligence of said plaintiff.
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SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Uncertainty
This answering defendant alleges that Plaintiffs’ Complaint and all purported
causes of action therein are vague, ambiguous and uncertain, and fail to state a cause of
action on any theory.
EIGHTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Laches
This answering defendant alleges that plaintiff unreasonably delayed in bringing
this action and that such delay substantially prejudiced defendant, and that this action is
therefore barred by the Doctrine of Laches.
NINTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Statute of Limitations
This answering defendant alleges that Plaintiffs’ Complaint and the purported
causes of action therein are barred by all statutes of limitation, including, but not limited
to, the provisions of California Code of Civil Procedure §§ 338, 338.1, 339(1), 340, 340(3)
and 340.2, 343, 352, 366.1, 366.2 and California Commercial Code § 2725. Plaintiffs’
claims are further barred by the statute of limitations of states other than California
pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure § 361.
TENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Failure to Mitigate
This answering defendant alleges that plaintiff failed to mitigate damages which
plaintiff contends he suffered, and plaintiff is therefore barred from any recovery
whatsoever, or alternatively, any damages found must be reduced in proportion to such
failure to mitigate.
ELEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Estoppel
This answering defendant alleges that as a result of the acts, conduct and/or
omissions of plaintiff and his agents, or any of them, and each cause of action presented
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therein, is barred under the Doctrine of Estoppel.
TWELETH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Waiver
This answering defendant alleges that plaintiff, by his acts, conduct and
omissions, has waived the claims alleged in his Complaint and in each purported cause
of action alleged therein.
THIRTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Acquiescence
Plaintiff acknowledged, ratified, consented to, and acquiesced in the alleged acts
or omissions, if any, of this answering defendant, thus barring plaintiff from any relief as
prayed for herein.
FOURTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Notice of Dangers
Plaintiff was advised, informed, and warned of any potential hazards and/or
dangers, if there were any, associated with the normal or foreseeable use, handling,
storage and in place asbestos of the products, substances, equipment and at premises in
which exposure is claimed as is described in the Complaint and is therefore barred from
any relief prayed for.
FIFTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Compliance with Statutes
This answering defendant alleges that all of its conduct and activities as alleged in
the Plaintiffs’ Complaint conformed to statutes, government regulations, and industry
standards based upon the state of knowledge existing at al! relevant times.
SIXTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Compliance with Specifications
This answering defendant alleges that the asbestos products or asbestos used or in
place at any premises, if any, for which PERINI had any legal responsibility, were
manufactured, packaged, distributed or sold in accordance with contract specifications
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imposed by its co-defendants, by the U.S. Government, by the State of California, by
plaintiff's employers, or by third parties yet to be identified.
SEVENTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
No Conspiracy
This answering defendant alleges that PERINI has no liability for the acts,
omissions or otherwise of any other defendant or entity because PERINI did not become
legally responsible for the acts of any such defendant, nor entity, by any communication,
alleged, implied, or actual, nor act, action, or activity, and never was, nor is, a conspirator
nor co-conspirator with any other defendant or entity.
EIGHTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
State-of-the-Art
This answering defendant alleges that all of its activities, products, materials and
its premises at issue here at all times were conducted, used, produced, marketed, and
operated in conformity with the existing scientific, medical industrial hygiene and
consumer knowledge, art and practice and state-of-the-art.
NINETEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
No Foreseeable Risk to Plaintiff
The state of the medical, scientific, and industrial knowledge and practice was at
all material times such that defendant neither breached any alleged duty owed plaintiff,
nor knew, nor could have known, that its activities, materials, products, activities or
premises presented a foreseeable risk of harm to plaintiff in the normal and expected
course of such activities and use of such materials and products.
TWENTIETH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
No Right to Control
This answering defendant alleges that any loss, injury, or damage incurred by
Plaintiff was proximately and legally caused by the negligent or willful acts or omissions
of parties which PERINI neither controlled, nor had the right to control, and was not
proximately caused by any acts, omissions, or other conduct of PERINI.
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TWENTY-FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Action for Relief
This answering defendant alleges the causes of action, if any, attempted to be
stated and set forth in the Complaint, are barred by the provisions of the Code of Civil
Procedure of the State of California and/or other statutes of the State of California,
including without limitation C.C.P. § 338(d).
TWENTY-SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Misuse and Improper Use of Products
This answering defendant alleges that if the plaintiff allegedly suffered injuries
attributable to the disturbance or use of any product for which PERINI had any legal
responsibility, which allegations are expressly herein denied, the injuries were solely
caused by, and attributable to the unreasonable, unforeseeable, and inappropriate
purpose and improper use and abuse which was made of said product by persons or
entities other than PERINI.
TWENTY-THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Due Care and Diligence
This answering defendant alleges that PERINI exercised due care and diligence in
all of the matters alleged in the Complaint, and no act or omission by PERINI was the
proximate cause of any damage, injury or loss to plaintiff.
TWENTY-FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Alteration and Misuse of Product
This answering defendant alleges that an insubstantial amount, if any at all, of the
products containing asbestos distributed, used, supplied by defendant or used or in place
at any premises owned or controlled by defendant, were not disturbed or used in the
presence of plaintiff and not supplied to the plaintiff, and if so, were substantially altered
by others and/or used in a manner inconsistent with the labeled directions.
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TWENTY-FIFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Equal or Greater Knowledge of Hazards
This answering defendant alleges that any and all products containing asbestos
used, distributed or supplied by defendant were distributed or supplied to, or for,
persons or entities who had knowledge with respect to the hazards, if any, resulting from
exposure to products containing asbestos, which knowledge is equal to or greater than
the knowledge of PERINI.
TWENTY-SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Other Parties’ Liability and Negligence
This answering defendant alleges that if there was any negligence or any other
form of liability on the part of any of the parties named herein, it was the sole and
exclusive negligence and liability of the other persons or entities and not of PERINL
TWENTY-SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Apportionment and Offset
This answering defendant is informed and believes and thereon alleges that
plaintiff's acts and omissions, including plaintiff's agents, servants, and employees acting
within the course and scope of their employment, and others, contributed to the alleged
damages, injury, or loss, if any, sustained by plaintiff. Defendant requests that the Court
apply the principles of apportionment and offset so as to permit the Court or jury to
apportion liability according to fault and to grant defendant a corresponding offset
against any damages awarded to plaintiff.
TWENTY-EIGHTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Contribution/Equitable Indemnity
This answering defendant alleges, in the event it is held liable to Plaintiff, any such
liability is expressly herein denied, and any other co-defendants are likewise held liable,
PERINI is entitled to a percentage contribution of the total liability from said co-
defendants in accordance with the principles of equitable indemnity and comparative
contribution.
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TWENTY-NINTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Assumption of Risk by Plaintiff's Employer(s)
This answering defendant alleges that the Complaint and each cause of action
alleged therein are barred on the grounds that plaintiff's employer or employers
knowingly entered into and engaged in the operations, acts and conduct alleged in the
Complaint, and voluntarily and knowingly assumed all of the risks incident to said
operations, acts and conduct at the time and place mentioned in the Complaint.
THIRTIETH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Assumption of Risk
This answering defendant alleges plaintiff assumed the risk of the matters referred
to in his Complaint and that plaintiff knew and appreciated the nature of the risk and
that the plaintiff voluntarily accepted this risk.
THIRTY-FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
No Market Share
This answering defendant alleges that PERINI did not have an appreciable share
of the market for the asbestos-containing products which allegedly caused plaintiff's
injuries, which occurrence PERINI expressly denies. Accordingly, PERINI may not be
held liable to plaintiff based on its alleged share of the applicable product market.
THIRTY-SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Plaintiff Fails to Join a Substantial Market Share
The Complaint, and each cause of action thereof, fails to state facts sufficient to
constitute a cause of action against this answering defendant, in that defendant has failed
to join a substantial market share of the producers or products to which plaintiff was
allegedly exposed.
THIRTY-THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Insufficient Facts to Show Substantial Market Share of this Defendant
wu.
To the extent the Complaint asserts defendant's alleged “alternative,” “market
share,” or “enterprise” liability, the Complaint fails to state facts sufficient to constitute a
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cause of action against this defendant.
THIRTY-FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Independent, Intervening or Superseding Cause
This answering defendant alleges that if plaintiff suffered any injuries attributable
to the use of any product containing asbestos which was used, distributed or sold by
defendant, which allegations are expressly denied herein, the injuries were solely caused
by an unforeseeable, independent intervening and/or superseding event beyond the
control and unrelated to any conduct of defendant. Defendant's actions, if any, were
superseded by the negligence and wrongful conduct of others.
THIRTY-FIFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Not a Substantial Factor
This answering defendant alleges that the Complaint and each cause of action
therein presented are barred on the grounds that the products, conduct, materials or
premises of defendant as referred to in Plaintiffs’ Complaint, if any, were not a
substantial factor in bringing about the injuries and damages complained of by plaintiff
and did not increase the risk that plaintiff would suffer the injuries and damages
complained of.
THIRTY-SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Insufficient Exposure
Any exposure of plaintiff to defendant’s activities, products or exposure to
asbestos or asbestos-containing products at PERINI’S premises was so minimal as to be
insufficient to establish by a reasonable degree of probability that any such product
caused any alleged injury, damage, or loss to plaintiff.
THIRTY-SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
No Successor Liability
This answering defendant alleges that PERINI has no liability for the acts,
omissions or otherwise of any other defendant or any other entity because PERINI did
not become legally responsible for the acts of any such defendant or entity given the facts
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and circumstances of the pertinent transactions and never was, nor is, a successor-in-
interest, a successor-in-liability or an alternate entity for any other user, manufacturer,
supplier, seller, distributor or premises holder relating to asbestos or asbestos-containing
products.
THIRTY-EIGHTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Lack of Privity
This answering defendant alleges that plaintiff has failed to state a cause of action
in that the Complaint fails to allege that there was privity between defendant on the one
hand, and plaintiff on the other, and furthermore, such privity did not exist between
defendant on the one hand, and plaintiff on the other.
THIRTY-NINTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Secondary Assumption of Risk
This answering defendant alleges that any and all products containing asbestos
used, distributed or supplied by defendant were used, distributed or supplied to, or for,
persons or entities who had knowledge with respect to the hazards, if any, resulting from
exposure to products containing asbestos, which is equal to or greater than, the
knowledge of PERINI, i.e. PERINI’S liability should be reduced in proportion to the
knowledge of plaintiff.
FORTIETH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Civil Code Section 1431.2
This answering defendant alleges that the provisions of California Civil Code §
1431.2 (commonly referred to as “Proposition 51”) are applicable to Plaintiffs’ Complaint
and to each cause of action therein.
FORTY-FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Workers’ Compensation Exclusive Remedy
This answering defendant alleges that the Complaint is barred by the exclusivity
provisions of the California Workers’ Compensation laws, including, but not limited to,
California Labor Code §§ 3600, et seq.
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Offset for Workers’ Compensation Benefits
This answering defendant alleges that to the extent plaintiff herein recovered, or in
the future may recover, any monies in connection with any claim for workers’
compensation benefits, any amounts recovered in this action are subject to a claim by
defendant for a credit or offset.
FORTY-THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Express Contractual Indemnity
This answering defendant alleges that if plaintiff claims exposure to asbestos or
asbestos-containing products at a PERINI premises, PERINI contracted with plaintiff
and/or plaintiff's employer(s) for them to fully assume all responsibility for insuring
plaintiff's safety, to guarantee that no hazardous condition existed, and/or to warn and
protect against any such conditions, during the performance of plaintiff's work, and,
further, to fully indemnify PERINI, and to hold PERINI harmless, for all responsibility
and liability arising out of said work, and/or any injuries allegedly incurred by plaintiff
as a result of any of said work. PERINI reserves all rights to assert these provisions of
contractual indemnity.
FORTY-FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Consent
This answering defendant alleges that at all times mentioned, plaintiff consented
to the alleged acts or omissions of PERINI.
FORTY-FIFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Unusual Susceptibility
This answering defendant alleges that each of plaintiff's injuries and damages, if
any, were proximately caused or contributed to by plaintiff's unforeseeable idiosyncratic
condition, unusual susceptibility, or hypersensitivity reactions for which PERINI is not
liable.
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FORTY-SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Good Faith
This answering defendant alleges that Plaintiffs’ claim for punitive damages is
barred because PERINI at all times and places mentioned in the Complaint acted
reasonably and in good faith, and without malice or oppression towards the plaintiff.
FORTY-SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Sophisticated User
This answering defendant alleges that PERINI was under no legal duty to warn
plaintiff of the hazard associated with the use of products containing asbestos or their
existence at any premises owned, operated, controlled or otherwise by PERINI. The
purchasers of said products, the plaintiff, plaintiffs employers, his unions or certain third
parties yet to be identified, were knowledgeable and sophisticated users and were in a
better position to warn plaintiff of the risk associated with using products containing
asbestos and, assuming a warning was required, it was the failure of such persons or
entities to give such a warning that was the proximate and superseding cause of
plaintiff's damages, if any.
FORTY-EIGHTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Work Hazard Precautions
This answering defendant alleges that plaintiff's employer(s) was/were advised
and warned of any potential hazards and/or dangers associated with the normal and
foreseeable conduct with, or storage and disposal of the products referred to in the
Complaint, in a manner which was adequate notice to an industrial user of such product
to enable it to inform its employees to take appropriate work precautions to prevent
injurious exposure.
FORTY-NINTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Failure to Join Indispensable Parties
Plaintiff herein has failed to join indispensable parties (California Code of Civil
Procedure, § 389) and the Complaint is thereby defective, and plaintiff is thereby
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precluded from any recovery whatsoever as prayed for herein.
FIFTIETH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
No Standing Under California Civil Code §§ 1708-1710
Plaintiff has no standing nor right to sue for fraud and conspiracy, breach of
warranty, deceit, or any cause of action under California Civil Code, §§ 1708-1710, and
therefore the Complaint and each cause of action thereof fails to state facts sufficient to
constitute a cause of action against this answering defendant.
FIFTY-FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Plaintiff is not a Real Party in Interest
Plaintiff, and each of them, herein lacks legal capacity to sue and is not a real party
in interest and is thereby precluded from any recovery whatsoever as prayed for herein.
FIFTY-SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Fraud and Conspiracy are Not Separate Forms of Damages
Fraud and conspiracy do not constitute a separate and distinct form of damages
from general damages, and, therefore, the prayer for fraud and conspiracy in addition to
general damages does not sufficiently support or constitute a separate claim for damages
against this answering defendant, but is simply cumulative and included in general
damages.
FIFTY-THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Failure to Allege with Particularity
This answering defendant alleges that Plaintiffs’ Complaint fails to set out its
claims with sufficient particularity to permit defendant to raise all appropriate defenses
and, thus, defendant reserves the right to add additional defenses as the factual basis for
these claims becomes known.
FIFTY-FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Negligent Hiring Claim Invalid
An employee of an independent contractor may not pursue a claim for negligent
hiring against a hirer of the independent contractor. See Camargo v. Tjaarde Dairy, 25 Cal.
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4th 1235 (2001).
FIFTY-FIFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Right to Amend
This defendant will assert any and all additional defenses that arise during the
course of this litigation and reserves the right to amend its answer to assert such
defenses.
FIFTY-SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Alternate Unknown Cause
The alleged injuries and damages, if any, may be in whole or in part due to injury,
disease or cause other than as alleged.
FIFTY-SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
No Concert of Action
There is no concert of action between defendant and any of the other named
defendants. Defendants are not joint tortfeasors and accordingly, defendant may not be
held jointly and severally liable with the other named defendants.
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ANSWER OF PERIN] CORPORATION TO PLAINTIFFS’ THIRD AMENDED COMPLAINT FOR
PERSONAL INJURY AND LOSS OF CONSORTIUM - ASBESTOS
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PRAYER
WHEREFORE, this answering defendant prays for judgment as follows:
1 That Plaintiffs take nothing by reason of their Complaint or any claims
stated therein;
2. That Plaintiffs’ Complaint and each cause of action contained therein be
dismissed with prejudice against PERINI;
3. For costs of suit; and
4. For such other and further relief as the Court deems just and appropriate in
the circumstances.
DATED: May 11, 2012 BRYDON HUGO & PARKER
By:__/s/ Edward R. Hugo _
Edward R. Hugo
Attorneys for Defendant
PERINI CORPORATION
-16-
ANSWER OF PERIN] CORPORATION TO PLAINTIFFS’ THIRD AMENDED COMPLAINT FOR
PERSONAL INJURY AND LOSS OF CONSORTIUM - ASBESTOSCS eNO wm BR Ww
Ross, Robert & Jean
San Francisco County Superior Court Case No. CGC-10-275731
LexisNexis Transaction No. 44213489
PROOF OF SERVICE
lam a resident of the State of California, over the age of 18 years, and not a
party to the within action. My electronic notification address is
service@bhplaw.com and my business address is 135 Main Street, 20% Floor, San
Francisco, California 94105. On the date below, I served the following:
ANSWER OF PERINI CORPORATION TO PLAINTIFFS’ THIRD AMENDED
COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY AND LOSS OF CONSORTIUM -
ASBESTOS
on the following:
BRAYTON PURCELL LLP
222 Rush Landing Road
Novato, CA 9494
Fax: (415) 898-1247
LexisNexis Electronic Service list
X By transmitting electronically the documeni(s) listed above as set forth
on the electronic service list on this date before 5:00 p.m.
o By placing the document(s) listed above in a sealed envelope and placing
the envelope for collection and mailing on the date below tollowing the
firm’s ordinary business practices. | am readily familiar with the firm’s
practice of collection and processing correspondence for mailing. Under
that practice it would be deposited with U.S. Postal service on the same
day with postage thereon fully prepaid at San Francisco, California in
the ordinary course of business. | am aware that on motion of party
served, service is presumed invalid if postal cancellation date or postage
meter date is more than one day after date of deposit for mailing in
affidavit.
9 By placing the document(s) listed above in a sealed envelope designated
for Federal Express overnight delivery and depositing same with fees
thereupon prepaid, in a facility regularly maintained by Federal Express,
addressed as set forth above.
o By causing personal delivery of the document(s) listed above to the
person(s) at the address(es) set forth above.
I declare under penalty of perjury that the above is true and correct.
Executed on May 11, 2012, at San Francisco, California.
Warde V. CLaudio
Wanda D. Claudio
PROOF OF SERVICE