Court Opinion

ID: 9819509
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-09-01 06:26:43.11122+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:38:30.902490
License: Public Domain

JUSTICE McCULLOUGH, dissenting: I respectfully disagree with the determination by the majority that because there was “some evidence that M&O sold products containing asbestos, and because the assessment of credibility of the witnesses is decisive in this case, it was error to direct a verdict.” 345 Ill. App. 3d at 350. The plaintiff has the burden of producing evidence sufficient to establish each element of his or her claim. Thacker, 151 Ill. 2d at 354, 603 N.E.2d at 454. This burden of production is met with regard to a given element of proof when there is some evidence which, when viewed most favorably to the plaintiffs position, would allow a reasonable trier of fact to conclude the element to be proved. Thacker, 151 Ill. 2d at 354, 603 N.E.2d at 454. While circumstantial evidence may be used to show causation, proof that relies upon mere conjecture or speculation is not sufficient. Thacker, 151 Ill. 2d at 354, 603 N.E.2d at 454. If the plaintiff fails to meet the burden of production with regard to a necessary element of the case, courts rightfully grant directed verdicts or enter judgment n.o.v. Thacker, 151 Ill. 2d at 354, 603 N.E.2d at 454-55. The majority bases its decision on the following finding: “Plaintiff here presented some evidence from which a reasonable jury could have concluded that M&O sold or installed products containing asbestos at the Dallman plant. Plaintiff presented evidence that he worked at a plant where asbestos was present and that as a result he contracted mesothelioma. Plaintiff presented evidence that M&O supplied materials to that plant, materials which were commonly known to contain asbestos.” 345 Ill. App. 3d at 349. Here, plaintiffs argued “the insulation M&O used in the early to mid-1970s contained asbestos.” In support of their argument, plaintiffs stated: “Corbeil *** testified ‘asbestos-free’ products did not become available to the insulation industry until 1974 or 1975.” The record shows Corbeil believed “asbestos-free products” became available “around 1973 or 4.” Upon further inquiry, Corbeil acknowledged they could also have become available in 1970, or 1974, or 1975. Corbeil admitted the dates were approximations, noting, “it’s a long time ago.” The record showed defendant did not supply materials to Dallman until 1975 and did not begin work at the site until 1977. Plaintiffs failed to provide “some evidence” that M&O sold products containing asbestos to the Dallman plant in Springfield, Illinois. Corbeil’s testimony as to when asbestos-free products became available was speculative and thus not sufficient. Further, Richard O’Heir did not form M&O until 1972 and he testified M&O did not use asbestos-containing materials. Cf. Johnson v. Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp., 313 Ill. App. 3d 230, 233, 729 N.E.2d 883, 885 (2000) (all asbestos removed from Kaylo in 1972); McClure, 188 Ill. 2d at 116, 720 N.E.2d at 249 (after 1972, Owens-Corning did not manufacture asbestos-containing Kaylo); Kochan v. Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp., 242 Ill. App. 3d 781, 786, 610 N.E.2d 683, 686 (1993) (Owens-Corning ceased making Kaylo in 1972). Plaintiffs must present evidence that defendant used materials containing asbestos in its product and that that product was used by defendant in CWLP’s Dallman plant. Plaintiffs failed to meet their burden with regard to the necessary elements of the case, and the trial court rightfully granted a directed verdict. The trial court’s decision should be affirmed.