W.R. Grace & Co. v. Waters

Waters (plaintiff) developed asbestosis from exposure to asbestos in products made by W.R. Grace (defendant), who had already faced punitive-damages awards in other jurisdictions for the same asbestos-related conduct. Grace sought partial summary judgment barring further punitive damages on that basis; the trial court agreed, but the appellate court reversed and certified the underlying legal question to the state supreme court.

Whether, under state law, a defendant may be subject to multiple punitive-damages awards for the same conduct.