Employer's Successor-in-Interest Not Liable for Worker's Mesothelioma

The Missouri Court of Appeals upheld a jury verdict finding that the successor-in-interest to a worker’s former employer was shielded from liability for her contraction of mesothelioma. Case: Barnes v. Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Co., No. WD87843, 03/17/2026, published. Facts and procedural history: Roslyn Barnes worked for Business Men’s Assurance Co. of America from 1976 until 1980. In July 2019, she was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Three months later, she filed a workers’ compensation claim against the Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Co., which was BMA&...