arrow left
arrow right
  • LAURANCE HAGEN VS. ASSOCIATED INSULATION OF CALIFORNIA ASBESTOS document preview
  • LAURANCE HAGEN VS. ASSOCIATED INSULATION OF CALIFORNIA ASBESTOS document preview
  • LAURANCE HAGEN VS. ASSOCIATED INSULATION OF CALIFORNIA ASBESTOS document preview
  • LAURANCE HAGEN VS. ASSOCIATED INSULATION OF CALIFORNIA ASBESTOS document preview
  • LAURANCE HAGEN VS. ASSOCIATED INSULATION OF CALIFORNIA ASBESTOS document preview
  • LAURANCE HAGEN VS. ASSOCIATED INSULATION OF CALIFORNIA ASBESTOS document preview
  • LAURANCE HAGEN VS. ASSOCIATED INSULATION OF CALIFORNIA ASBESTOS document preview
  • LAURANCE HAGEN VS. ASSOCIATED INSULATION OF CALIFORNIA ASBESTOS document preview
						
                                

Preview

ul wo emn a BRYDKIN Huo & PARKER 135 MAINSTREGT 20" FLOOR San Francisco, CA 94105 John R. Brydon [Bar No. 083365] George A. Otstott [Bar No. 184671] BRYDON HUGO & PARKER 135 Main Street, 20th Floor ELECTRONICALLY San Francisco, CA 94105 FILED Telephone: (415) 808-0300 Superior Court of California, Facsimile: (415) 808-0333 County of San Francisco Attorneys for Defendant AUG 12 2010 BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to BY: WILLIAM TRUPEK AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. Deputy Clerk SUPERIOR COURT - STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO — UNLIMITED JURISDICTION LAURANCE HAGEN, (ASBESTOS) Case No. CGC-10-275582 Plaintiff(s), v8. ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., SUCCESSOR TO AMCHEM PRODUCTS, ASSOCIATED INSULATION OF INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL CALIFORNIA, et al., INJURY - ASBESTOS Defendants. COMES NOW Defendant BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. (“AMCHEM” or “Defendant”) denying liability for itself and any alternate entities named in the complaint, and answering plaintiff's Complaint for Personal Injury — Asbestos (hereinafter the “Complaint’”), on file herein, admits, denies, and alleges as follows: GENERAL DENIAL Under the provisions of Section 431.30(d), California Code of Civil Procedure, this answering defendant denies each and every allegation of plaintiff's 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 kind in any amount whatsoever from AMCHEM. 1 ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOSul wo emn a BRYDKIN Huo & PARKER 135 MAINSTREGT 20" FLOOR San Francisco, CA 94105 RESERVATION OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY AMCHEM teserves the right to a trial by jury. AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Failure to State a Cause of Action This answering defendant alleges that plaintiff's 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 I, 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 2 ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOSul wo emn a BRYDKIN Huo & PARKER 135 MAINSTREGT 20" FLOOR San Francisco, CA 94105 lack of identification of the manufacturer, 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 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 AMCHEM, 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 AMCHEM 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. 3 ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOSul wo emn a BRYDKIN Huo & PARKER 135 MAINSTREGT 20" FLOOR San Francisco, CA 94105 SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Uncertainty This answering defendant alleges that plaintiff's 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 plaintiff's 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. Plaintiff’s 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 4 ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOSul wo emn a BRYDKIN Huo & PARKER 135 MAINSTREGT 20" FLOOR San Francisco, CA 94105 omissions of plaintiff and his agents, or any of them, and each cause of action presented| therein, is barred under the Doctrine of Estoppel. TWELFTH 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 plaintiff's Complaint conformed to statutes, government regulations, and industry standards based upon the state of knowledge existing at all relevant times. SIXTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Compliance with Specifications This answering defendant alleges that the asbestos products or asbestos used or in 5 ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOSul wo emn a BRYDKIN Huo & PARKER 135 MAINSTREGT 20" FLOOR San Francisco, CA 94105 place at any premises, if any, for which AMCHEM had any legal responsibility, were| manufactured, packaged, distributed or sold in accordance with contract specifications| 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 AMCHEM has no liability for the acts, omissions or otherwise of any other defendant or entity because AMCHEM 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 6 ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOSul wo emn a BRYDKIN Huo & PARKER 135 MAINSTREGT 20" FLOOR San Francisco, CA 94105 Plaintiff was proximately and legally caused by the negligent or willful acts or omissions of parties which AMCHEM neither controlled, nor had the right to control, and was not proximately caused by any acts, omissions, or other conduct of AMCHEM. 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 AMCHEM 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 AMCHEM. TWENTY-THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Due Care and Diligence This answering defendant alleges that AMCHEM exercised due care and diligence in all of the matters alleged in the Complaint, and no act or omission by AMCHEM 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} 7 ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOSul wo emn a BRYDKIN Huo & PARKER 135 MAINSTREGT 20" FLOOR San Francisco, CA 94105 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. 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 AMCHEM. 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 AMCHEM. 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, 8 ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOSul wo emn a BRYDKIN Huo & PARKER 135 MAINSTREGT 20" FLOOR San Francisco, CA 94105 AMCHEM 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. 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 AMCHEM did not have an appreciable share of the market for the asbestos-containing products which allegedly caused plaintiff’s| injuries, which occurrence AMCHEM expressly denies. Accordingly, AMCHEM 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. 9 ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOSul wo emn a BRYDKIN Huo & PARKER 135 MAINSTREGT 20" FLOOR San Francisco, CA 94105 THIRTY-THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Insufficient Facts to Show Substantial Market Share of this Defendant wou To the extent the Complaint asserts defendant’s alleged “alternative,” “market share,” or “enterprise” liability, the Complaint fails to state facts sufficient to constitute al 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 plaintiff's 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 AMCHEM’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. 10 ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOSul wo emn a BRYDKIN Huo & PARKER 135 MAINSTREGT 20" FLOOR San Francisco, CA 94105 THIRTY-SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE No Successor Liability This answering defendant alleges that AMCHEM has no liability for the acts, omissions or otherwise of any other defendant or any other entity because AMCHEM did| not become legally responsible for the acts of any such defendant or entity given the facts| 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| AMCHEM, i.e. AMCHEM'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 plaintiff's Complaint ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOSul wo emn a BRYDKIN Huo & PARKER 135 MAINSTREGT 20" FLOOR San Francisco, CA 94105 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. FORTY-SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 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 AMCHEM premises, AMCHEM contracted with plaintiff| and/or plaintiff's employer(s) for them to fully assume all responsibility for insuring} plaintiffs 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 AMCHEM, and to hold AMCHEM 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. AMCHEM 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 AMCHEM. 12 ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOSul wo emn a BRYDKIN Huo & PARKER 135 MAINSTREGT 20" FLOOR San Francisco, CA 94105 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 AMCHEM is not} liable. FORTY-SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Good Faith This answering defendant alleges that plaintiff's claim for punitive damages is barred because AMCHEM 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, as the California Supreme Court ruled in Johnson v. American Standard (2008) 43 Cal.4* 56, AMCHEM 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 AMCHEM, as purchasers of said products, the plaintiff, plaintiff's employers, his unions, and/or certain third parties yet to be identified, were knowledgeable and sophisticated users and were ina 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| 13 ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOSul wo emn a BRYDKIN Huo & PARKER 135 MAINSTREGT 20" FLOOR San Francisco, CA 94105 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 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. 14 ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOSul wo emn a BRYDKIN Huo & PARKER 135 MAINSTREGT 20" FLOOR San Francisco, CA 94105 FIFTY-THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Failure to Allege with Particularity This answering defendant alleges that plaintiff's 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 Punitive Damage Prohibited This answering defendant alleges that plaintiff's Complaint fails to state facts sufficient to support an award of punitive or exemplary damages against AMCHEM. The| Complaint, to the extent that it seeks exemplary or punitive damages, violates AMCHEM’s| right to procedural due process under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States| Constitution, and the Constitution of the State of California, and fails to state a cause of| action upon which either punitive or exemplary damages can be awarded. FIFTY-FIFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Punitive Damages Prohibited This answering defendant alleges that the Complaint, to the extent that it seeks punitive or exemplary damages, violates AMCHEM’s right to protection from excessive fines as provided in the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 17 of the Constitution of the State of California, and violates AMCHEM'’s right to} substantive due process as provided in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United| States and California Constitutions, and thus fails to state a cause of action supporting an| award of punitive or exemplary damages. FIFTY-SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Punitive Damages Prohibited The causes of action asserted herein by plaintiff fail to state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action in that plaintiff has asserted claims for punitive damages which, 15 ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOSul wo emn a BRYDKIN Huo & PARKER 135 MAINSTREGT 20" FLOOR San Francisco, CA 94105 if granted, would violate the prohibition against laws impairing the obligation of contracts| set forth in Article I, Section 10, of the United States Constitution. FIFTY-SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Punitive Damages Prohibited Plaintiff's claim for punitive or exemplary damages, if any, alleged by Plaintiff is barred by the “double jeopardy” clause of the Fifth Amendment to the United States| Constitution, as applied to the States through the Fourteenth Amendment. FIFTY-EIGHTH 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. Tjaarda Dairy, 25 Cal. 4th 1235 (2001). FIFTY-NINTH 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. SIXTIETH 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. SIXTY-FIRST 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. SIXTY-SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plea in Abatement 16 ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOS1 Plaintiff, and each of them, lacks the legal capacity to proceed and maintain this 2 |Jaction and is thereby precluded from any recovery whatsoever as prayed from herein. 3 PRAYER 4 WHEREFORE, this answering defendant prays for judgment as follows: 5 1. That Plaintiff take nothing by reason of their Complaint or any claims stated 6 ||therein; 7 2. That Plaintiffs Complaint and each cause of action contained therein be 8 ||dismissed with prejudice against AMCHEM; 9 3. For costs of suit; and 10 11 12 13 4. For such other and further relief as the Court deems just and appropriate in| 14 || the circumstances. 15 16 ||Dated: August 12, 2010 BRYDON HUGO & PARKER 17 18 By: /s/ John R. Brydon John R. Brydon 19 George A. Otstott Attorneys for Defendant 20 BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 17 Bryan AuGo & PARKER |) ANSWER OF BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., successor to AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT oon FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOS San Francisco, CA 94105Hagen, Laurance San Francisco County Superior Court Case No. CGC-10-275582 LexisNexis Transaction No. 32645882 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 BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC., SUCCESSOR TO AMCHEM PRODUCTS, INC. TO COMPLAINT FOR PERSONAL INJURY - ASBESTOS on the following: BRAYTON PURCELL LLP 222 Rush Landing Road Novato, CA 94945 Fax: (415) 898-1247 AND SEE LEXIS NEXIS SERVICE LIST xX By transmitting electronically the document(s) listed above as set forth on the electronic service list on this date before 5:00 p.m. oo By transmitting via facsimile the document(s) listed above to the fax number(s) set forth above 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 following the firm’s ordinary business practices. I 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. Tam aware that on motion of party served, service is presumed invalid if posta cancellation date or postage meter date is more than one day after date of deposit for mailing in affidavit. o By placing the document(s) listed above in a sealed envelope desi for Federal Express overnight delivery and depositing s ame with fees thereupon prepaid, in a facility regularly maintained by addressed as set forth above. o By causing personal delivery of the Sheva list "above! the person(s) at the address(es) set forth ape ave. Executed on August 12, 2010, at San Francis¢o, aN ni Ne I declare under penalty of perjury that the "abave vel o and correct ns An nated Federal Express, 4 Melanie Guidry i PROOF OF SERVICE ‘ Lo?