Attorneys Jim Niquet, Eric Carlson, Laura Schuett, and Bill Keeler recently obtained summary judgment for four clients (three premises owners and one contractor) in an asbestos lawsuit in Milwaukee County. The plaintiff claimed negligence, strict liability, and punitive damages for his asbestos exposure that occurred during his work as a steamfitter at various sites for various contractors throughout his career. After briefing and oral arguments, the Circuit Court agreed that Wisconsin's Statute of Repose applied equally to premises owners and an insulation contractor. With regard to the premises defendants, all of the plaintiff's work required that he be engaged in improvements to real property - including creating new pipe installations and removing and replacing existing piping that constituted a permanent addition to and betterment of the property. As for the contractor, it was responsible for installation, removal, and maintenance at several sites. The Court found it was hired to do specific jobs that included installing and insulating new and existing pipes which constituted a particular improvement to real property. Summary judgment was granted and all clients were dismissed.