What is the criteria used to determine liability in an asbestos-related case?
In an asbestos-related case in California, liability will be determined based on whether the defendant had a duty to prevent injury, whether that duty was breached, and whether the breach of duty resulted in harm to the plaintiff. A duty of care may exist if the defendant had knowledge of the dangerousness of the asbestos product or environment, either through direct knowledge, or through examination of industry or scientific safety standards or warnings. If a defendant is found to have breached their duty of care, they can be held liable for the resulting injury. The plaintiff must also show that there was a causal connection, or “proximate cause,” between the defendant’s negligent actions or the dangerous product or environment and the injury. That is, the breach of duty must be the proximate cause of the injury. Finally, the plaintiff must show that they suffered a tangible injury due to the breach of duty. This may include physical or psychological injury, monetary damages, or loss in quality of life. The plaintiff must prove that the injury was directly and proximately caused by the defendant’s breach of duty. In summary, the criteria for liability in an asbestos-related case in California includes the defendant’s duty of care, a breach of that duty, a proximate cause relationship between the defendant’s breach and the injury, and tangible injury to the plaintiff.
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