On January 13, 2023 a
Answer
was filed
involving a dispute between
Kathleen Spezio,
Roger Paul Spezio Sr.,
and
3M Company,
Individually And As Successor To Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company,
Aii Acquisition Corporation, Llc
Individually And As Successor-In-Interest To Athlone Industries, Inc. And Holland Furnace Company,
Air & Liquid Systems Corporation
As Successor By Merger To Buffalo Pumps, Inc.,
Alcoa Inc.,
Individually And As Successor In Interest To Tilo Roofing Co.,
American Optical Corporation,
A.O. Smith Water Products,
Armstrong International, Inc.,
Atwood & Morrill Co., Inc.
D B A Weir Valves & Controls Usa Inc.,
Aurora Pump Company,
Avco Corporation,
A Textron Lycoming Division, Individually And As Successor To Lycoming Engines F K A Lycoming Manufacturing, Spencer Heater Company, And Spencer Heater Division Of Lycoming,
Bw Ip International Co.,
Formerly Known As Borg Warner Industrial Products Inc., A Former Subsidiary Of And Successor To Borg Warner Corp. And Byron Jackson Pumps,
Carrier Corporation,
Cbs Corporation,
A Delaware Corporation, F K A Viacom Inc, Successor By Merger To Cbs Corporation, A Pennsylvania Corporation, F K A Westinghouse Electric Corporation,
Cleaver-Brooks Company
F K A Aqua-Chem, Inc.,
Columbia Boiler Company Of Pottstown,
Compudyne Corporation,
Individually And As Successor To York-Shipley,
Continental Motors Inc.,
Continental Motors Inc.
F K A Teledyne Continental Motors, Inc., Individually And As Successor To Continental Motors Inc. And Continental Motors Company,
Crown Boiler Co.,
Dean Pump Division,
Eaton Aeroquip, Inc.
F K A Aeroquip Corporation,
Ecr International, Inc.,
Individually And As Successor To Dunkirk, Dunkirk Boilers And Utica Boilers And Pennco, Inc.,
Electrolux Home Products, Inc.,
Individually And As Successor To Tappan And Copes-Vulcan Company,
Flowserve Us, Inc.,
Solely As Successor To Rockwell Manufacturing Company, Edward Valves, Inc., Nordstrom Valves, Inc. And Edward Vogt Valve Company,
Fmc Corporation,
Individually And As Successor To Northern Pump Company, Coffin And Peerless Pump Company,
Gardner Denver, Inc.,
Individually And As Successor To Nash Engineering Company,
Gardner Denver Nash, Llc,
Individually And As Successor To Nash Engineering Company,
General Electric Company,
Goulds Pumps, Inc.,
Grinnell Corporation,
Hoffman New Yorker, Inc.,
Honeywell International, Inc.,
Individually And F K A Alliedsignal, Inc., And As Successor-In-Interest To The Bendix Corp.,
Howden Buffalo, Inc.,
Individually And As Successor-In-Interest To Fb Sturtevant, The Howden Buffalo Group And Buffalo Fan,
International Comfort Products Llc,
Individually And As Successor To Heil Heating And Cooling,
I.T.T. Industries, Inc.,
Individually And As Successor To Bell & Gossett,
Kohler Co.,
Lennox Industries, Inc.,
Individually And As Successor To Lennox Furnace Company And Ducane,
Mario & Dibono Plastering Co. Inc.,
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company,
New Yorker Boiler Company, Inc.,
Parker Hannifin Corporation,
Individually And As Successor By Merger To Stratoflex, Inc.,
Pratt & Whitney Measurement Systems, Inc.,
Pratt & Whitney Power Systems, Inc.,
Redco Corp.
F K A Crane Co.,
Rheem Manufacturing Company, Inc.,
Rockwell Automation, Inc.,
Individually And As Successor To Allen Bradley, Timken Heating Business And S. Co., Inc. F K A Scaife Company, As Successor In Interest To Rockwell Spring & Axle Companys Timken Silent Automatic Division,
Sid Harvey Industries, Inc.,
Sid Harvey Supply, Inc.,
Spence Engineering Company, Inc.,
Spencer Heater
A Lycoming Division Of Avco Corporation,
Spirax Sarco, Inc.,
Taco, Inc.,
Technify Motor
Individually And As Successor To Teledyne Continental Motors, Inc. F K A Continental Motors, Inc. And Continental Motors Company,
Teledyne Technologies Inc.,
Individually And As Successor To Teledyne Continental Motors, Inc. F K A Continental Motors, Inc., Continental Motors Company,
Texaco, Inc.,
Union Carbide Corporation,
United Technologies Corporation,
Individually And As Successor To Pratt & Whitney,
Velan Valve Corp.,
Warren Pumps Llc,
Individually And As Successor To The Quimby Pump Company,
Weil Mclain,
A Division Of Marley-Wylain Company,
William Powell Company,
York International Corporation,
Individually And As Successor To Frick Company,
for Torts - Asbestos
in the District Court of Ulster County.
Preview
FILED: ULSTER COUNTY CLERK 06/23/2023 02:09 PM INDEX NO. EF2023-99
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 102 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 06/23/2023
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF ULSTER
ROGER PAUL SPEZIO, SR. and KATHLEEN
SPEZIO,
Index No. EF2023-99
Plaintiffs, ANSWER WITH
CROSS-CLAIMS
-against-
3M COMPANY, Individually and as Successor to
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing
Company;
A.O. SMITH WATER PRODUCTS;
AII ACQUISITION CORPORATION, LLC,
Individually and as Successor-in-Interest to
Athlone Industries, Inc. and Holland Furnace
Company;
AIR & LIQUID SYSTEMS CORPORATION, as
Successor by Merger to Buffalo Pumps, Inc.;
ALCOA INC., Individually and as successor in interest
to Tilo Roofing Co.;
AMERICAN OPTICAL CORPORATION;
ARMSTRONG INTERNATIONAL, INC.;
ATWOOD & MORRILL CO., INC. d/b/a Weir Valves
& Controls USA Inc.;
AURORA PUMP COMPANY;
AVCO CORPORATION, A Textron Lycoming
Division, Individually and as Successor to
Lycoming Engines f/k/a Lycoming
Manufacturing, Spencer Heater Company,
and Spencer Heater Division of Lycoming;
BW/IP INTERNATIONAL CO., formerly known as
Borg Warner Industrial Products Inc., a former
subsidiary of and successor to Borg Warner
Corp. and Byron Jackson Pumps;
CARRIER CORPORATION;
CBS CORPORATION, a Delaware Corporation, f/k/a
Viacom Inc, Successor by merger to CBS
Corporation, a Pennsylvania Corporation, f/k/a
Westinghouse Electric Corporation;
CLEAVER BROOKS COMPANY f/k/a Aqua Chem,
Inc.;
COLUMBIA BOILER COMPANY OF
POTTSTOWN;
1 of 16
FILED: ULSTER COUNTY CLERK 06/23/2023 02:09 PM INDEX NO. EF2023-99
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 102 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 06/23/2023
COMPUDYNE CORPORATION, Individually and as
Successor to York-Shipley;
CONTINENTAL MOTORS, INC.;
CONTINENTAL MOTORS INC. f/k/a Teledyne
Continental Motors, Inc., Individually and as
successor to Continental Motors Inc. and
Continental Motors Company;
CROWN BOILER CO.;
DEAN PUMP DIVISION;
EATON AEROQUIP, INC. f/k/a Aeroquip
Corporation;
ECR INTERNATIONAL, INC., Individually and as
Successor to Dunkirk, Dunkirk Boilers and
Utica Boilers and Pennco, Inc.;
ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.,
Individually and as Successor to Tappan and
Copes Vulcan;
FLOWSERVE US, INC., solely as Successor to
Rockwell Manufacturing Company, Edward
Valves, Inc., Nordstrom Valves, Inc. and
Edward Vogt Valve Company;
FMC CORPORATION, Individually and as Successor
to Northern Pump Company, Coffin and
Peerless Pump Company;
GARDNER-DENVER, INC., Individually and as
Successor to Nash Engineering Company;
GARDNER-DENVER NASH LLC, Individually and
as Successor to Nash Engineering Company;
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY;
GOULDS PUMPS INC.;
GRINNELL CORPORATION;
HOFFMAN/NEW YORKER, INC.;
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.,
Individually and f/k/a AlliedSignal, Inc., and as
Successor-in-Interest to The Bendix Corp.;
HOWDEN BUFFALO, INC., Individually and as
Successor In Interest to FB Sturtevant, The
Howden Buffalo Group and Buffalo Fan;
I.T.T. INDUSTRIES, INC., Individually and as
successor to Bell & Gossett;
INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS LLC,
Individually and as Successor to Heil Heating
and Cooling;
KOHLER CO.;
LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC., Individually and as
Successor to Lennox Furnace Company and
2 of 16
FILED: ULSTER COUNTY CLERK 06/23/2023 02:09 PM INDEX NO. EF2023-99
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 102 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 06/23/2023
Ducane;
MARIO & DIBONO PLASTERING CO. INC.;
METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY;
NEW YORKER BOILER COMPANY, INC.;
PARKER HANNIFIN CORPORATION, Individually
and as Successor by Merger to Stratoflex, Inc.
(Cleveland Brake Division) and EIS;
PRATT & WHITNEY MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS,
INC.;
PRATT & WHITNEY POWER SYSTEMS, INC.;
REDCO CORP., f/k/a Crane Co.;
RHEEM MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.;
ROCKWELL AUTOMATION INC., Individually
and as Successor to Timken Heating Business
and S. Co., Inc. f/k/a Scaife Company, as
Successor in Interest to Rockwell Spring &
Axle Company's Timken Silent Automatic
Division;
SID HARVEY INDUSTRIES, INC.;
SID HARVEY SUPPLY, INC.;
SPENCE ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.;
SPENCER HEATER, a Lycoming division of AVCO
Corporation;
SPIRAX SARCO, INC.;
TACO, INC.;
TECHNIFY MOTOR (USA), INC., Individually
and as Successor to Teledyne Continental
Motors, Inc. f/k/a Continental Motors, Inc.,
and Continental Motors Company;
TELEDYNE TECHNOLOGIES INC., Individually
and as Successor to Teledyne Continental
Motors, Inc. f/k/a Continental Motors, Inc.,
Continental Motors Company;
TEXACO, INC.;
UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION;
UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION,
Individually and as Successor to Pratt &
Whitney (Pratt & Whitney/Aircraft Division)
and Franklin Engine Company f/k/a Aircooled
Motors Company;
VELAN VALVE CORP.;
WARREN PUMPS, LLC, Individually and as
Successor to The Quimby Pump Company;
WEIL McLAIN, a division of Marley Wylain
Company;
WILLIAM POWELL COMPANY (THE);
3 of 16
FILED: ULSTER COUNTY CLERK 06/23/2023 02:09 PM INDEX NO. EF2023-99
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 102 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 06/23/2023
YORK INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION,
Individually and as Successor to Frick
Company,
Defendants.
__________________________________________
Defendant Howmet Aerospace Inc. f/k/a Arconic Inc. f/k/a Alcoa Inc. (incorrectly sued as “Alcoa
Inc., Individually and as successor in interest to Tilo Roofing Co.”)(“Defendant Arconic”) by its attorneys
WILBRAHAM LAWLER & BUBA, P.C., as and for its ANSWER to Plaintiffs’ Verified Complaint,
states upon information and belief as follows:
1. Answering paragraphs 1, 3, 6-8, 10-68, and 190-191 of Plaintiffs’ Complaint, Defendant
Arconic is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations
contained in said paragraphs and on that basis denies them.
2. Answering paragraph 2 of Plaintiffs’ Complaint, Defendant Arconic is without knowledge
or information sufficient to form a belief as to whether ROGER PAUL SPEZIO, SR. was diagnosed with
mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos and on that basis denies the allegations. By way of
further Answer, Defendant Arconic denies that it is liable to Plaintiffs in any respect.
3. Answering paragraph 4 of Plaintiffs’ Complaint, Defendant Arconic admits that Plaintiffs
purport to define the term “Defendants”, but denies, with respect to Defendant Arconic, that Defendant
Arconic is responding to Plaintiffs’ Complaint on behalf of any entity other Howmet Aerospace Inc. f/k/a
Arconic Inc. f/k/a Alcoa Inc. (incorrectly sued as “Alcoa Inc., Individually and as successor in interest to
Tilo Roofing Co.”) By way of further answer, Defendant Arconic is without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations to the extent they are related to parties other
than Defendant Arconic and on that basis denies them.
4. Answering paragraphs 5 and 69 of Plaintiffs’ Verified Complaint, Defendant Arconic
denies the allegations contained in said paragraphs as they relate to Defendant Arconic, and denies
4 of 16
FILED: ULSTER COUNTY CLERK 06/23/2023 02:09 PM INDEX NO. EF2023-99
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 102 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 06/23/2023
knowledge and information as they pertain to co-defendants other than Defendant Arconic, and on that
basis denies them.
5. Answering paragraphs 9 and 138 of Plaintiffs’ Verified Complaint, Defendant Arconic
denies the allegations contained in said paragraphs.
6. Answering paragraphs 70-74, 78-85, 92-98, 129-137, 170-171, and 188 of Plaintiffs’
Verified Complaint, Defendant Arconic denies the allegations to the extent they are directed to Defendant
Arconic, and is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
allegations to the extent they are related to parties other than Defendant Arconic and on that basis denies
them. By way of further response, Defendant Arconic specifically denies any allegation(s) of strict
liability; negligence; recklessness; carelessness; failure; breach; misrepresentation; false representations;
conspiracy; market share liability; or fraudulent, unjust, knowing, intentional, wrongful, willful,
misleading, deceptive, immoral, malicious, wanton, or other culpable conduct on the part of Defendant
Arconic contained in said paragraphs.
7. Defendant Arconic believes paragraphs 75-76, 87-90, 99-100, 139-143, 172-173, and
175-186 of Plaintiffs’ Complaint contains a legal argument rather than a fact that can be admitted or
denied. To the extent this is a legal argument rather than facts, Defendant Arconic declines to
answer. To the extent an answer is necessary, Defendant Arconic denies paragraphs 75-76, 87-90, 99-
100, 139-143, 172-173, and 175-186.
8. Answering paragraphs 102-119 of Plaintiffs’ Verified Complaint, Defendant Arconic
states that the allegations contained in said paragraphs are directed to owners, possessors, lessors, lessees,
operators, controllers, managers, supervisors, general contractors, subcontractors, architects, and/or
engineers, or others who were responsible for the maintenance, control and/or safety at premises on which
Plaintiff was allegedly exposed to asbestos, and thus no response is required as Defendant Arconic is not
5 of 16
FILED: ULSTER COUNTY CLERK 06/23/2023 02:09 PM INDEX NO. EF2023-99
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 102 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 06/23/2023
any of the foregoing in this action. To the extent a response is required, Defendant Arconic denies the
allegations to the extent they are directed to Defendant Arconic, and is without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations to the extent they are related to parties other
than Defendant Arconic and on that basis denies them.
9. Answering paragraphs 121-127 of Plaintiffs’ Verified Complaint, Defendant Arconic
states that the allegations contained in said paragraphs are directed to Defendant METROPOLITAN LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY and thus no response is required. To the extent a response is required,
Defendant Arconic denies the allegations to the extent they are directed to Defendant Arconic, and is
without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations to the extent
they are related to parties other than Defendant Arconic and on that basis denies them.
10. Answering paragraphs 145-157 of Plaintiffs’ Verified Complaint, Defendant Arconic
states that the allegations contained in said paragraphs are directed to “contractors,” and thus no response
is required as Defendant Arconic is not a “contractor.” To the extent a response is required, Defendant
Arconic denies the allegations to the extent they are directed to Defendant Arconic, and is without
knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations to the extent they are
related to parties other than Defendant Arconic and on that basis denies them.
11. Answering paragraphs 159-166 of Plaintiffs’ Verified Complaint, Defendant Arconic
states that the allegations contained in said paragraphs are directed to “Premises Owners” and thus no
response is required as Defendant Arconic is not a “Premises Owner” in this action. To the extent a
response is required, Defendant Arconic denies the allegations to the extent they are directed to Defendant
Arconic, and is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
allegations to the extent they are related to parties other than Defendant Arconic and on that basis denies
them.
6 of 16
FILED: ULSTER COUNTY CLERK 06/23/2023 02:09 PM INDEX NO. EF2023-99
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 102 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 06/23/2023
12. Answering paragraphs 167-169 of Plaintiffs’ Verified Complaint, Defendant Arconic
states that the allegations contained in said paragraphs are directed to “Shipping Defendants” and thus no
response is required as Defendant Arconic is not a “Shipping Defendant” in this action. To the extent a
response is required, Defendant Arconic denies the allegations to the extent they are directed to Defendant
Arconic, and is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the
allegations to the extent they are related to parties other than Defendant Arconic and on that basis denies
them.
13. With respect to paragraphs 77, 86, 91, 101, 120, 128, 144, 158, 174, 187, and 189 of
Plaintiffs’ Verified Complaint, Defendant Arconic admits such allegations as are elsewhere herein
admitted and denies such allegations as are elsewhere herein denied.
14. Defendant Arconic denies each and every allegation set forth in Plaintiffs’ Complaint not
heretofore specifically admitted, denied or otherwise controverted.
FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
The Complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief may be granted.
SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
This defendant acted reasonably and with due care toward the plaintiff(s) and violated no duty
owed to the plaintiff(s).
THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
The injuries and damages complained of were the proximate result of the negligence of third
parties over whom this defendant had no control or right of control.
FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
This defendant denies that it was guilty of any negligence or breach of warranty which directly
caused or proximately contributed to plaintiff(s)' alleged damages.
7 of 16
FILED: ULSTER COUNTY CLERK 06/23/2023 02:09 PM INDEX NO. EF2023-99
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 102 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 06/23/2023
FIFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
The alleged injuries and damages were the result of the plaintiff(s)' sole negligence.
SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
The plaintiff(s)' contributory negligence was greater than the negligence of the answering
defendant. In the event that such contributory negligence is adjudged not to be greater than the negligence
of answering defendant, the plaintiff(s)' damages shall be diminished by the percentage of plaintiff(s)'
contributory negligence.
SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
The Court lacks jurisdiction over this defendant.
EIGHTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
The Court lacks jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action.
NINTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
The venue of this action is improper and this defendant reserves the right to move for a transfer.
TENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
The Statute of Limitations and/or Statute of Repose bars plaintiff(s)' action, and accordingly, this
defendant reserves the right to move for dismissal at or before trial.
ELEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
This defendant denies breach of any warranties, expressed or implied.
TWELFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
The plaintiff(s) had full knowledge of all facts, circumstances and conditions existing with respect
to the use of any product mentioned in the Complaint and voluntarily assumed the risk from and attendant
to the use of products manufactured or supplied by this defendant.
8 of 16
FILED: ULSTER COUNTY CLERK 06/23/2023 02:09 PM INDEX NO. EF2023-99
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 102 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 06/23/2023
THIRTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
This defendant is not liable to the plaintiff(s) in strict liability in tort.
FOURTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
The plaintiff(s) consented to the acts alleged in the Complaint.
FIFTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Since plaintiff(s)' employers are primarily liable for plaintiff(s)' current injuries and plaintiff(s)
brought or have the right to bring an action for workmen's compensation benefits, plaintiff(s)' damages, if
any, is barred by the exclusive remedial provisions under the workers' compensation law and other
applicable state laws. In the alternative, the damages should at least be reduced by the amount of
compensation received from the plaintiff(s)' employers.
SIXTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
The incident and injuries complained of were caused by unauthorized, unintended and improper
use of the products complained of and as a result of plaintiff(s)' failure to exercise reasonable and ordinary
care, caution or vigilance.
SEVENTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Plaintiff(s)' injuries and damages were caused by the superseding and intervening acts or the fault
of other parties over whom this defendant had no control and for whose actions this defendant is not liable.
EIGHTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
The plaintiff(s)' action is barred by the Doctrine of Laches.
NINETEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
This defendant never designed, manufactured, sold or distributed a defective product which caused
plaintiff(s)' damages.
9 of 16
FILED: ULSTER COUNTY CLERK 06/23/2023 02:09 PM INDEX NO. EF2023-99
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 102 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 06/23/2023
TWENTIETH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Inasmuch as the plaintiff(s) are unable to identify the manufacturer of the product that allegedly
caused their injuries, plaintiff(s) fail to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. If relief were
granted in the absence of product identification, it would contravene with defendant's constitutional rights
to substantive and procedural due process of law and equal protection, as well as, defendant's
constitutional rights to protection against the taking of private property for public use without just
compensation as preserved by the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
TWENTY-FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
The applicable provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code bar the alleged claims.
TWENTY-SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
At all times relevant hereto, this defendant followed plans, specifications and contracts set by a
governmental body and did not deviate from said plans, contracts and specifications, therefore, its actions
are cloaked with immunity.
TWENTY-THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
At all times relevant hereto, this defendant complied with all applicable laws, regulations and
standards.
TWENTY-FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
The plaintiff(s)' alleged injuries were caused in whole or in part by the misuse, abuse and/or
unauthorized alteration of this defendant or other defendants’ products.
TWENTY-FIFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
All oral warranties upon which plaintiff(s) allegedly relied upon are inadmissible and unavailable
due to the applicable statute of frauds.
10 of 16
FILED: ULSTER COUNTY CLERK 06/23/2023 02:09 PM INDEX NO. EF2023-99
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 102 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 06/23/2023
TWENTY-SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Plaintiff(s)' claim for punitive damages is barred by the proscription of the Eighth Amendment to
the United States Constitution, as applied to the States through the Fourteenth Amendment, prohibiting
the imposition of excessive fines.
TWENTY-SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Plaintiff(s)' claim for punitive damages 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.
TWENTY-EIGHTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
The plaintiff(s)' action is barred by the doctrine of estoppel and waiver.
TWENTY-NINTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Plaintiff(s)' claim for punitive damages is barred by the Due Process clause of the Fourteenth
Amendment to the United States Constitution and by the New York State Constitution.
THIRTIETH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Any benefit or other compensation received by plaintiff(s) from any other defendants or any
collateral source, including workers compensation, social security death benefits and/or insurance, should
reduce or set off the amount of any judgment against this defendant.
THIRTY-FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Plaintiff(s) failed to mitigate or reduce his/her alleged injuries.
THIRTY-SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
All causes of action based on expressed or implied warranties are legally insufficient since
plaintiff(s) failed to allege privity of contract between plaintiff(s) and answering defendant.
THIRTY-THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Any asbestos exposure from this defendant's products are so minimal that there is insufficient
11 of 16
FILED: ULSTER COUNTY CLERK 06/23/2023 02:09 PM INDEX NO. EF2023-99
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 102 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 06/23/2023
evidence that this defendant's products caused plaintiff(s)' alleged injuries.
THIRTY-FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Even if plaintiff(s) can establish a breach of warranty, plaintiff(s) failed to provide prompt and
proper notice of said breach of warranty to the answering defendant.
THIRTY-FIFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Plaintiff(s) did not directly or indirectly purchase any asbestos-containing products from this
defendant. Therefore, plaintiff(s) neither received nor relied upon any representation or warranty
allegedly made regarding this defendant's products.
THIRTY-SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Plaintiff(s)' claims are barred by the doctrine of res judicata.
THIRTY-SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
The Answering Defendant incorporates and adopts all affirmative defenses raised and pled by any
other defendants except such defenses which refer to this answering defendant. Additionally, defendant
specifically reserves the right to amend this answer and assert any additional defenses that might become
available as discovery continues.
THIRTY-EIGHTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Plaintiff was not exposed to any asbestos or any other injury-producing substances during his
presence on or about any premises owned by answering defendant.
THIRTY-NINTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
In the event that Plaintiff was employed by answering defendant, Plaintiff’s sole and exclusive
remedies are under the Worker’s Compensation Law of the State of New York.
FORTIETH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
At all times relevant hereto, the knowledge of the Plaintiff’s employer(s) was superior to that of
12 of 16
FILED: ULSTER COUNTY CLERK 06/23/2023 02:09 PM INDEX NO. EF2023-99
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 102 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 06/23/2023
answering defendant with respect to possible health hazards associated with Plaintiff’s employment, and,
therefore, if there was any duty to warn or provide protection to Plaintiff, it was the duty of said
employer(s), not of answering defendant, and breach of that duty was an intervening and/or superseding
cause of the injuries allegedly sustained by Plaintiff.
FORTY-FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
At all times during the conduct of their corporate operations, the agents, servants, and/or
employees of answering defendant used proper methods in their operation of all answering defendant’s
premises, facilities and production activities in conformity to the available knowledge and research of the
scientific and industrial communities.
FORTY-SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
To the extent that plaintiff sustained injuries from his presence on or about premises owned,
controlled or used by answering defendant, which answering defendant denies, such injuries resulted from
the unforeseeable misconduct, failure to exercise due care and/or omissions of Plaintiff, or by other parties,
over whom answering defendant had no control or right to control.
FORTY-THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
At all relevant times, answering defendant provided all lawful invitees a safe place to work on and
about all premises owned by answering defendant.
FORTY-FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Plaintiff never purchased, directly or indirectly, any asbestos-containing products or materials
from answering defendant, nor did answering defendant ever supply Plaintiff with asbestos-containing
products or materials.
FORTY-FIFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Plaintiff lacks capacity and/or standing to maintain a claim for relief against answering defendant
13 of 16
FILED: ULSTER COUNTY CLERK 06/23/2023 02:09 PM INDEX NO. EF2023-99
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 102 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 06/23/2023
with respect to injuries alleged to have been suffered by Plaintiff.
FORTY-SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Answering Defendant never directed or controlled any of Plaintiff’s work activities.
FORTY-SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
At all relevant times, the state of the medical, scientific, and industrial knowledge, the state of the
art, practice, and prevailing industry standards regarding asbestos-containing products was such that
answering defendant neither knew, had reason to know, nor could have known of any foreseeable or
significant risk or harm to Plaintiff in the normal or expected use of answering defendant’s premises.
FORTY-EIGHTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Upon information and belief, Plaintiff was never a lawful invitee on any premises owned, used or
controlled by answering defendant.
FORTY-NINTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
Answering defendant was under no legal duty to warn Plaintiff of any hazards from the use of any
asbestos-containing products. The actual purchasers and/or those under the purchasers’ control and
Plaintiff’s employer(s), among others, were in a far better position to warn Plaintiff and, if any such
warning was legally required, which is expressly denied; their failure to do so was a superseding and
proximate cause of Plaintiff’s alleged injuries.
CROSSCLAIMS
1. This defendant demands contribution, jointly and severally, from all other defendants,
potential defendants, and potential third-party defendant.
2. This defendant denies any liability whatsoever to the plaintiff, but asserts that if it is in
any way found to be liable, such liability is passive, indirect and secondary, and answering defendant
hereby demands indemnification from all responsible and liable co-defendants.
14 of 16
FILED: ULSTER COUNTY CLERK 06/23/2023 02:09 PM INDEX NO. EF2023-99
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 102 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 06/23/2023
WHEREFORE, Defendant Arconic Demands judgment as follows:
1. Dismissing the Complaint with prejudice as to Defendant Arconic;
2. Diminishing the damages otherwise recoverable pursuant to Article 14 of the
New York CPLR;
3. Diminishing the damages otherwise recoverable pursuant to Article 14-A of the
New York CPLR;
4. Diminishing the damages otherwise recoverable pursuant to Article 16 of the
New York CPLR;
5. For contribution and indemnification from the Co-Defendants herein for all or a portion of
any judgment rendered herein in favor of Plaintiffs and against Defendant Arconic
including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs; and
6. For such other, further and different relief as to the Court shall seem just, proper
and equitable.
DATED: June 22, 2023
Buffalo, New York
WILBRAHAM LAWLER & BUBA
______________________________
James F. Tate, Esq.
Jessica J Burgasser, Esq.
Attorneys for Defendant
Howmet Aerospace Inc. f/k/a Arconic Inc. f/k/a
Alcoa Inc., incorrectly sued as Alcoa Inc.,
Individually and as successor in interest to Tilo
Roofing Co.
295 Main Street, Suite 900
Buffalo, New York 14203
(716) 427-7360
TO: Joseph W. Belluck, Esq.
Belluck & Fox, LLP
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
546 Fifth Avenue, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10036
(212) 681-1575
15 of 16
FILED: ULSTER COUNTY CLERK 06/23/2023 02:09 PM INDEX NO. EF2023-99
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 102 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 06/23/2023
16 of 16