Opinion
CONSOLIDATED UNDER MDL 875 E.D. Pa. Civil Action No. 2:15–cv–1063–ER
02-28-2017
Joseph CONNEEN and Kathleen Conneen, Plaintiffs, v. AMATEK, INC., et al., Defendants.
Christopher B. Norris, Richard Nemeroff, Nemeroff Law Firm, Dallas, TX, Carla Jo Guttilla, The Nemeroff Law Firm, Pittsburgh, PA, for Plaintiffs. John A. Turlik, Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney, John P. McShea, McShea Law Firm PC, Michael J. Block, David C. Weinberg, Mark Douglas Eisler, Wilbraham, Lawler & Buba, P.C., Francis McGill Hadden, Gibbons P.C., David P. Lodge, Susan M. Valinis, Reilly Janiczek & McDevitt P.C., Tiffany F. Turner, Dickie McCamey & Chilcote, G. Daniel Bruch, Jr., Swartz Campbell, LLC, W. Matthew Reber, Leroy J. Janiczek, Catherine N. Jasons, Robert N. Spinelli, Kelley Jasons McGowan Spinelli & Hanna, LLP, Michael L. Turner, Joshua D. Scheets, Joan P. Depfer, Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin, Kevin J. O'Brien, Marks, O'Neill, O'Brien, Doherty & Kelly P.C., John C. McMeekin, Rawle & Henderson, Joseph I. Fontak, Leader &Berkon LLP, Philadelphia, PA, Joel D. Gusky, Frankford, DE, Joseph R. Schaper, Maron Bradley & Anderson PA, Pittsburgh, PA, for Defendants.
Christopher B. Norris, Richard Nemeroff, Nemeroff Law Firm, Dallas, TX, Carla Jo Guttilla, The Nemeroff Law Firm, Pittsburgh, PA, for Plaintiffs.
John A. Turlik, Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney, John P. McShea, McShea Law Firm PC, Michael J. Block, David C. Weinberg, Mark Douglas Eisler, Wilbraham, Lawler & Buba, P.C., Francis McGill Hadden, Gibbons P.C., David P. Lodge, Susan M. Valinis, Reilly Janiczek & McDevitt P.C., Tiffany F. Turner, Dickie McCamey & Chilcote, G. Daniel Bruch, Jr., Swartz Campbell, LLC, W. Matthew Reber, Leroy J. Janiczek, Catherine N. Jasons, Robert N. Spinelli, Kelley Jasons McGowan Spinelli & Hanna, LLP, Michael L. Turner, Joshua D. Scheets, Joan P. Depfer, Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin, Kevin J. O'Brien, Marks, O'Neill, O'Brien, Doherty & Kelly P.C., John C. McMeekin, Rawle & Henderson, Joseph I. Fontak, Leader &Berkon LLP, Philadelphia, PA, Joel D. Gusky, Frankford, DE, Joseph R. Schaper, Maron Bradley & Anderson PA, Pittsburgh, PA, for Defendants.
MEMORANDUM
EDUARDO C. ROBRENO, J.
This case was removed in March of 2015 from the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania as part of MDL–875.
Plaintiffs assert that Mr. Conneen developed lung cancer as a result of, inter alia , his exposure to asbestos released from products manufactured and/or supplied by Defendant Goulds Pumps, Inc. ("Goulds" or "Defendant") and/or about which Defendant owed and breached a duty of care. (See Exhibit I to Pl. Opp., ECF No. 114 at 46–49, ¶¶ 7–16.)Plaintiffs have brought claims against various defendants. Defendant Goulds has moved for summary judgment, arguing that Plaintiffs' claims are barred by the applicable statute of limitations.
I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Plaintiffs allege that Joseph Conneen ("Decedent" or "Mr. Conneen") was exposed to asbestos while, inter alia , working as a pipefitter and plumber at various locations in Pennsylvania during the period from 1962 to 1980. Defendant Goulds manufactured pumps. The locations of the alleged asbestos exposure identified in Plaintiffs' Complaint are:
• Philadelphia Naval Shipyard
• Rohm and Haas Chemicals—Bristol, PA
• Rohm and Haas chemical plant—Philadelphia, PA (Bridesburg neighborhood)
(Exhibit I to Pl. Opp., ECF No. 114 at 48, ¶ 5.)
Defendant Goulds has moved for summary judgment, arguing that Plaintiffs' claims are barred by Pennsylvania's two-year-long statute of limitations. Although Plaintiffs appear to agree with Defendant that Pennsylvania law governs their claims against Defendant (and that a two-year-long statute of limitations is applicable), Plaintiffs contend that their Complaint was timely filed.
In connection with Plaintiffs' opposition, Mr. Conneen has provided an affidavit setting forth the events surrounding his diagnosis and his discovery of asbestos as a potential cause of his lung cancer. (See Exhibit A to Pl. Opp., ECF No. 114 at 13–15.) According to Plaintiffs, Mr. Conneen did not learn that asbestos was potentially a cause of his illness until February 12, 2013. Plaintiffs contend that this renders the Complaint timely because the statute of limitations did not begin to run until February 12, 2013 (when he first learned that his lung cancer may have been caused by asbestos) and that, to the extent that it can be said to have begun to run when he learned of his lung cancer diagnosis (in December of 2012), tolling of the statute of limitations is warranted because he did not know at that time that asbestos may have been a cause of the illness (i.e., he had no reason or basis for bringing an asbestos action at that time).
By way of a preliminary scheduling order, discovery in this case was limited to discovery on the issue of statute of limitations. (See ECF No. 73.) While Defendants were permitted to conduct discovery—including deposition of Mr. Conneen—on this matter, it appears from the record that Mr. Conneen has not been deposed. Rather, in seeking summary judgment, Defendants rely exclusively upon medical records from a series of medical procedures and doctors' visits that occurred in December of 2012.
It is undisputed that the Complaint in this case was filed on January 20, 2015.
II. LEGAL STANDARD
A. Summary Judgment Standard
Summary judgment is appropriate if there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). "A motion for summary judgment will not be defeated by ‘the mere existence’ of some disputed facts, but will be denied when there is a genuine issue of material fact." Am. Eagle Outfitters v. Lyle & Scott Ltd. , 584 F.3d 575, 581 (3d Cir. 2009) (quoting Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc. , 477 U.S. 242, 247–248, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986) ). A fact is "material" if proof of its existence or non-existence might affect the outcome of the litigation, and a dispute is "genuine" if "the evidence is such that a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the nonmoving party." Anderson , 477 U.S. at 248, 106 S.Ct. 2505.
In undertaking this analysis, the court views the facts in the light most favorable to the non-moving party. "After making all reasonable inferences in the nonmoving party's favor, there is a genuine issue of material fact if a reasonable jury could find for the nonmoving party." Pignataro v. Port Auth. of N.Y. & N.J. , 593 F.3d 265, 268 (3d Cir. 2010) (citing Reliance Ins. Co. v. Moessner , 121 F.3d 895, 900 (3d Cir. 1997) ). While the moving party bears the initial burden of showing the absence of a genuine issue of material fact, meeting this obligation shifts the burden to the non-moving party who must "set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial." Anderson , 477 U.S. at 250, 106 S.Ct. 2505.
B. The Applicable Law
The alleged asbestos exposures at issue occurred at several locations in Pennsylvania, some of which were clearly land-based exposures (i.e., at Rohm and Haas facilities in Bristol and the Bridesburg neighborhood of Philadelphia). When the parties to a case involving land-based exposure agree to application of a particular state's law, this Court has routinely applied that state's law. See , e.g. , Brindowski v. Alco Valves, Inc. , No. 10-64684, 2012 WL 975083, *1 n. 1 (E.D. Pa. Jan 19, 2012) (Robreno, J.).
However, there were also alleged asbestos exposures at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, which may have been land-based exposures (i.e., occurring at a location within the shipyard not onboard a ship, such as a repair shop), but were more likely on-ship (i.e., sea-based) exposures. See Conner v. Alfa Laval, Inc. , 799 F.Supp.2d 455 (E.D. Pa. 2011) (Robreno, J.) (applicability of maritime law generally); Deuber v. Asbestos Corp. Ltd. , No. 10-78931, 2011 WL 6415339 (E.D. Pa. Dec. 2, 2011) (Robreno, J.) (distinguishing between land-based and ship-based exposures within a shipyard facility). As this Court has routinely held, where a case sounds in admiralty, application of a state's law would be inappropriate. See , e.g. , Mack v. General Elec. Co. , 896 F.Supp.2d 333, 336 (E.D. Pa. 2012) (Robreno, J.) (citing Gibbs ex rel. Gibbs v. Carnival Cruise Lines , 314 F.3d 125, 131–32 (3d Cir. 2002) ). Therefore, if some of the claims at issue are governed by maritime law (i.e., arise from alleged sea-based asbestos exposure), they could not be barred by the Pennsylvania statute of limitations—and the Court could instead grant summary judgment on those claims only if they are barred by the maritime law statute of limitations.
For the reasons that follow below, the outcome of Defendant's motion is the same regardless of whether Pennsylvania law or maritime law is applied —and regardless of whether only one or both laws are applicable to all or part of Plaintiffs' claims. (In other words, neither statute of limitations would bar any of Plaintiffs' claims.) Therefore, the Court need not scour the record for indications as to whether the alleged asbestos exposures at the Naval Shipyard are properly governed by maritime law or Pennsylvania state law.
The Court notes that the outcome is the same whether the statute of limitations is considered a procedural matter (on which a federal MDL court applies federal law) or a substantive matter (on which, in a diversity action, a federal MDL court applies the applicable state law or, in an action premised on federal jurisdiction, applies federal law). See Various Plaintiffs v. Various Defendants ("The Oil Field Cases") , 673 F.Supp.2d 358, 362–63 (E.D. Pa. 2009) (Robreno, J.) (application of state versus federal law); Sabella , 103 A.3d 83 (citing Reott , 618 Pa. 228, 55 A.3d at 1092 ) (under Pennsylvania law, the statute of limitations is an affirmative defense on which the defendant bears the burden of proof); and Clayton v. Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Ry. Co. , No. 10-07082, 2012 WL 5389803 (E.D. Pa. 2012) (Robreno, J.) (citing In re Community Bank of Northern Virginia , 622 F.3d 275, 292 (3d Cir. 2010) ) (under federal law (such as maritime law), the statute of limitations is an affirmative defense on which the defendant bears the burden of proof).
The Court notes that, although at the summary judgment stage the burden is on Defendant to establish that it is entitled to summary judgment—which, here, would require it to establish that Pennsylvania law is applicable to the claims on which it seeks summary judgment (in addition to establishing that the Pennsylvania statute of limitations bars those claims), see McCain v. CSX Transportation, Inc. , 708 F.Supp.2d 494 (E.D. Pa. 2010) (Robreno, J.), Sabella v. Appalachian Development Corp. , 103 A.3d 83 (Pa. Super. 2014) (citing Reott v. Asia Trend, Inc. , 618 Pa. 228, 55 A.3d 1088, 1092 (Pa. 2012) ) (under Pennsylvania law, the statute of limitations is an affirmative defense on which the defendant bears the burden of proof), the motion would be denied in its entirety regardless of whether Defendant has satisfied its burden of establishing that Pennsylvania law is applicable. See , e.g. , Kite v. Bill Vann Co., Inc. , No. 11-67753, 2014 WL 6735191 (E.D. Pa. 2014) (Robreno, J.) (denying motion for summary judgment on grounds that defendant asserted the statute of limitations of a state whose law did not govern the claims at issue).
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C. Statute of Limitations (Under Pennsylvania Law)
Under Pennsylvania law, the statute of limitations for an asbestos-related injury is, generally, two years from the date on which a claim may be brought (i.e., the date on which an injury occurs). See Abrams v. Pneumo Abex Corp. , 602 Pa. 627, 981 A.2d 198 (2009) (asbestos case); Bone v. American Standard , No. 2468 EDA 2012, 2013 WL 5038573 (Pa. Super. 2013) (same); 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524(8) (and see § 5524(2) ); see also Fine v . Checcio , 582 Pa. 253, 266, 870 A.2d 850, 857 (2005) (discussing, generally, in a non-asbestos case, the running of the statute of limitations under Pennsylvania law). However, there are certain exceptions to this general rule in which the statute of limitations may be deemed "tolled." See Fine v. Checcio , 582 Pa. at 266–67, 870 A.2d at 858 (discussing the "discovery rule" and the "doctrine of fraudulent concealment" as two scenarios in which such tolling may be appropriate).
Pennsylvania recognizes the "discovery rule" in cases where an injured party is unable, despite the exercise of reasonable diligence, to know of both (1) the fact of injury, and (2) the cause of that injury. See Fine v. Checcio , 582 Pa. at 266–67, 870 A.2d at 858 ("The discovery rule originated in cases in which the injury or its cause was neither known nor reasonably knowable.... As the discovery rule has developed, the salient point giving rise to its application is the inability of the injured, despite the exercise of reasonable diligence, to know that he is injured and by what cause.")(citing Lewey v. H.C. Frick Coke Co. , 166 Pa. 536, 31 A. 261 (1895), Ayers v. Morgan , 397 Pa. 282, 154 A.2d 788 (1959), Hayward v. Medical Center of Beaver County , 530 Pa. 320, 608 A.2d 1040, 1043 (1992), and Pocono International Raceway, Inc. v. Pocono Produce, Inc. , 503 Pa. 80, 468 A.2d 468 (1983) ).
The exception to the statute of limitations created by the "discovery rule" may apply in cases of asbestos-related disease, where there is not an immediate and obvious causal link between a diagnosis (such as lung cancer ) and exposure to asbestos. See Cochran v. GAF Corp. , 542 Pa. 210, 666 A.2d 245 (1995) (discussing the applicability of the "discovery rule" in a case involving potentially asbestos-related lung cancer ). "The discovery rule is a judicially created device that tolls the running of the applicable statute of limitations until the point where the complaining party knows or reasonably should know that he has been injured and that his injury has been caused by another party's conduct. The complaining party must use reasonable diligence to discover the cause of an injury." Gustine Uniontown Assocs., Ltd. v. Anthony Crane Rental, Inc., L.P. , 577 Pa. 14, 30 n.8, 842 A.2d 334, 344 (2004) (citing Crouse v. Cyclops Industries , 560 Pa. 394, 745 A.2d 606, 611 (2000) ).
Pennsylvania has codified the "discovery rule" as it pertains to asbestos actions:
(8) An action to recover damages for injury to a person or for the death of a person caused by exposure to asbestos shall be commenced within two years from the date on which the person is informed by a licensed physician that the person has been injured by such exposure or upon the date on which the person knew or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known that the person had an injury which was caused by such exposure, whichever date occurs first.
42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524(8). (Emphasis added.)
Pennsylvania also recognizes the "doctrine of fraudulent concealment" and allows a tolling of the statute of limitations under this doctrine even in situations of unintentional deception (i.e., where a deception, albeit unintentional, results in the concealment of a plaintiff's claim such that an action is not brought within the generally applicable statute of limitations). This doctrine "is based on a theory of estoppel, and provides that the defendant may not invoke the statute of limitations if, through fraud or concealment, he causes the plaintiff to relax his vigilance or deviate from his right of inquiry into the facts." Fine v. Checcio , 582 Pa. at 270–71, 870 A.2d at 860 (citing Deemer v. Weaver , 324 Pa. 85, 187 A. 215 (1936) ).
Under either the "discovery rule" or the "doctrine of fraudulent concealment," the standard applicable in assessing a plaintiff's efforts to timely bring an action is that of "reasonable diligence." Fine v. Checcio , 582 Pa. at 271, 870 A.2d at 861. In general, this is a question of fact for the jury. In recent years, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has provided the following guidance on this matter:
While reasonable diligence is an objective test, "[i]t is sufficiently flexible ... to take into account the difference[s] between persons and their capacity to meet certain situations and the circumstances confronting them at the time in question." Crouse , 745 A.2d at 611 (quotation omitted). Under this test, a party's actions are evaluated to determine whether he exhibited "those qualities of attention, knowledge, intelligence and judgment which society requires of its members for the protection of their own interest and the interest of others." Id.
Therefore, when a court is presented with the assertion of the discovery rules application, it must address the ability of the damaged party, exercising reasonable diligence, to ascertain that he has been injured and by what cause. Id. Since this question involves a factual determination as to whether a party was able, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, to know of his injury and its cause, ordinarily, a jury is to decide it. Hayward , 608 A.2d at 1043. See Smith v. Bell Telephone Co. of Pennsylvania , 397 Pa. 134, 153 A.2d 477, 481 (1959). Where, however, reasonable minds would not differ in finding that a party knew or should have known on the
exercise of reasonable diligence of his injury and its cause, the court determines that the discovery rule does not apply as a matter of law. Pocono International , 468 A.2d at 471.
Fine v. Checcio , 582 Pa. at 267–68, 870 A.2d at 858–59. (Emphasis added.)
In Cochran , the Pennsylvania Supreme Court considered the "discovery rule" in the context of an asbestos case. It affirmed the lower court's grant of a motion for summary judgment on the grounds of the statute of limitations because it found that "reasonable minds could not differ as to the decedent's lack of reasonable diligence rendering this case suitable for summary judgment," given that "the decedent waited four years before diligently pursuing the cause of his illness." 542 Pa. at 218–19, 666 A.2d at 250 (emphasis added). The facts in Cochran were as follows: the decedent-plaintiff worked at a steel mill from 1943 until 1982 (and smoked cigarettes regularly during essentially this entire period of almost forty years); he was diagnosed with lung cancer during a hospital stay in June of 1981 (at which time he ceased smoking); he first discussed with his physician that asbestos exposure was a possible cause of his cancer on March 3, 1985; he then obtained an opinion from an expert, who opined on August 7, 1985 that his lung cancer was caused by asbestos exposure; and he thereafter filed an asbestos action against the defendants on September 27, 1985. In short, the plaintiffs contended that the first time the decedent learned that asbestos may have caused his cancer was August 1985 (or perhaps March 1985), but the Supreme Court (and the intermediate appellate court) held that the "discovery rule" did not save his claims because he had not exercised sufficient diligence in identifying the cause of his lung cancer as he learned of the lung cancer in June of 1981, did not inquire of his doctor about the possibility of asbestos as a cause until March of 1985, and did not file action until September of 1985.
In Fine v. Checcio , the Pennsylvania Supreme Court considered both the "discovery rule" and the "doctrine of fraudulent concealment" in the context of a dental malpractice action. In that case, a plaintiff delayed in filing suit after a dental procedure caused lasting numbness in his mouth and face. He contended that (1) he had no reason to think there was an injury when the numbness first began because the dentist had led him to believe that it was a normal side effect of his procedure—and that (2) he was thereafter continually "lulled" into non-action for another six months because the dentist told him on ten separate visits thereafter that the numbness would take about six months to wear off. His complaint was filed approximately two years and one month after the procedure was performed and the numbness began (i.e., approximately one month beyond the timeline provided by the statute of limitations). He argued that, pursuant to the "discovery rule" and/or the "doctrine of fraudulent concealment," the statute of limitations was tolled for the six month period in which the dentist had "lulled" him into non-action by leading him to believe that the numbness was normal and would eventually disappear after about six months. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court held that there were factual issues precluding summary judgment on both the "discovery rule" theory for tolling of the statute of limitations and the "doctrine of fraudulent concealment" theory for such tolling. In doing so, the Court implicitly held that, if a jury believed that the dentist had in fact made the "lulling" statements alleged by the plaintiff, tolling could be warranted under the "discovery rule" and/or the "doctrine of fraudulent concealment" if it were also determined that the plaintiff had acted with "reasonable diligence under the circumstances" in pursuing his claims. With respect to the "doctrine of fraudulent concealment," the Pennsylvania Supreme Court provided the following guidance:
In addition to the discovery rule, the doctrine of fraudulent concealment serves to toll the running of the statute of limitations. The doctrine is based on a theory of estoppel, and provides that the defendant may not invoke the statute of limitations, if through fraud or concealment, he causes the plaintiff to relax his vigilance or deviate from his right of inquiry into the facts. Deemer, 187 A. at 215. The doctrine does not require fraud in the strictest sense encompassing an intent to deceive, but rather, fraud in the broadest sense, which includes an unintentional deception. Id. The plaintiff has the burden of proving fraudulent concealment by clear, precise, and convincing evidence. Molineux v. Reed, 516 Pa. 398, 532 A.2d 792, 794 (1987). While it is for the court to determine whether an estoppel results from established facts, it is for the jury to say whether the remarks that are alleged to constitute the fraud or concealment were made. Nesbitt [v. Erie Coach Co. , 416 Pa. 89], 204 A.2d [473] at 476 [ (1964) ].
582 Pa. at 270–71, 870 A.2d at 860. (Emphasis added.)
D. Statute of Limitations (Under Maritime Law)
This Court has previously addressed the statute of limitations under maritime law. In Nelson v. A.W. Chesterton Co. , the Court addressed this issue and also set forth, inter alia , the test for determining when an asbestos cause of action has accrued under maritime law:
The statute of limitations for maritime torts is governed by 46 U.S.C. § 30106 (previously 46 U.S.C. app. § 763(a) ), which provides, "Except as otherwise provided by law, a civil action for damages for personal injury or death arising out of a maritime tort must be brought within 3 years after the cause of action arose." A cause of action under general maritime law "accrues when a plaintiff has had a reasonable opportunity to discover his injury, its cause, and the link between the two." Crisman v. Odeco, Inc. , 932 F.2d 413, 415 (5th Cir. 1991). Under the discovery rule, "[w]hen the specific date of injury cannot be determined because an injury results from continual exposure to a harmful condition over a period of time, a plaintiff's cause of action accrues when the injury manifests itself." McCain v. CSX Transp., Inc. , 708 F.Supp.2d at 498 (quoting Czyzewski v. Conrail , 1997 WL 9791 (E.D. Pa. 1997) ). The key inquiry is whether the plaintiff has knowledge of the injury and its cause. McCain , 708 F.Supp.2d at 498 (citing United States v. Kubrick , 444 U.S. 111, 122–23, 100 S.Ct. 352, 62 L.Ed.2d 259 (1979) (interpreting the Federal Tort Claims Act)).
No. 10-69365, 2011 WL 6016990, at *1 (E.D. Pa. 2011) (Robreno, J) (emphasis added).
III. THE PARTIES' ARGUMENTS
A. Defendant's Arguments
Defendant contends that Plaintiffs' claims are barred by Pennsylvania's two-year-long statute of limitations for asbestos injury claims. According to Defendant, this time bar is set forth by statutory provision, which reads:
An action to recover damages for injury to a person or for the death of a person
caused by exposure to asbestos shall be commenced within two years from the date on which the person is informed by a licensed physician that the person has been injured by such exposure or upon the date on which the person knew or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known that the person had an injury which was caused by such exposure, whichever date occurs first.
42 Pa. C.S. 5524(8) (emphasis added). Defendant also cites to Wygant v. Gen. Elec. Co. , 113 A.3d 310 (Pa. Super. 2015), which applies and construes this statutory provision, as well as various other decisions from Pennsylvania courts that address the statute of limitations: Groover v. Riddle Memorial Hospital , 357 Pa.Super. 420, 516 A.2d 53, 57 (1986), alloc. denied , 515 Pa. 600, 528 A.2d 957 (1987), Pocono International Raceway, Inc. v. Pocono Produce, Inc. , 503 Pa. 80, 468 A.2d 468 (1983), Ingenito v. AC & S, Inc. , 430 Pa.Super. 129, 633 A.2d 1172, 1175 (1993), and Burnside & Abbott Laboratories , 351 Pa.Super. 264, 505 A.2d 973, 976 (1985).
Defendant asserts, based on medical records, that there is evidence that, by December 2012, Mr. Conneen knew of his lung cancer diagnosis and had discussed with his physicians the fact that he had been exposed to asbestos. Specifically, Defendant points to:
(1) a December 7, 2012 "Clinical Report," which Defendant asserts indicates a diagnosis of "[m]ediastinal mass (R/O lung CA)," (Def. Ex. C at 3 (ECF No. 90–3 at 4));
(2) a December 18, 2012 "CT Scan [Final] Report," indicating that Mr. Conneen's clinical history was that of a "68-year-old male with lung cancer," (Def. Ex. D at 1 (ECF No. 90–4));
(3) a report that Defendant characterizes as "memorializing a December 18, 2012 consultation among Mr. Conneen, his family, and Dr. John G. Devlin, indicat[ing] that Mr. Conneen had a ‘known history of asbestos exposure’... [and] that Mr. Conneen was ‘completely negative for any tobacco use, whatsoever’," (Def. Ex. E at 2 (ECF No. 90–5) (emphasis added)) (cited in Def. Mot. at 2 (ECF No. 90 at 3));
(4) a December 19, 2012 "Surgical Pathology Report," which indicates a "final diagnosis" of "lung, right upper lobe, transbronchial biopsy: poorly differentiated non-small cell carcinoma, favor adenocarcinoma," (Def. Ex. F at 1 (ECF No. 90–6)); and
(5) a December 20, 2012 "PET/CT Scan Report" (a) indicating that Mr. Conneen was a "68-year-old male with recently diagnosed lung carcinoma" who was in the process of "[i]nitial staging" of the cancer," (b) making reference to a "prior diagnostic CT of the chest dated 12/07/2012," (c) including an "impression" of a "known malignancy in the medial right upper lobe/suprahilar region which encases the right upper lobe bronchus" and (d) noting other findings "suspicious for an additional malignant lesion," (Def. Ex. G (ECF No. 90–7)).
Def. Mot. at 2 (ECF No. 90 at 3). Defendant asserts that the "discovery rule" does not save Mr. Conneen's claims because he was not diligent in attempting to discover the cause of his lung cancer. In support of this position, Defendant argues that the fact that Mr. Conneen had never smoked in his life "should have heightened his inquiry as to the cause of the lung cancer." (Def. Reply at 3, ECF No. 115 at 3.)
B. Plaintiffs' Arguments
As a preliminary matter, Plaintiffs contend that Defendant has not met its initial burden of shifting to Plaintiffs the burden of establishing that their action was timely filed: "Defendants have provided no evidence, subjective or objective, that Mr. Conneen should, or could, have been on notice that his lung cancer was related to asbestos exposure before February 12, 2013." (Pl. Opp. at 2, ECF No. 114 at 2 (emphasis added).)
Plaintiffs also assert that summary judgment is not warranted because Mr. Conneen did not learn that asbestos may have been a cause of his lung cancer until February 12, 2013. (Pl. Opp. at 6, ECF No. 114 at 6.) As such, according to Plaintiffs, their lawsuit was filed within two (2) years of learning that there was a basis for an asbestos-related claim.
Although Plaintiffs concede that Mr. Conneen was diagnosed with lung cancer in December of 2012, they contend that his claims are nonetheless timely (pursuant to the "discovery rule" applicable in cases of a "creeping disease" such as his asbestos-related illness) because he was reasonably diligent in inquiring about the cause of his lung cancer —and determining within approximately two months thereafter—that asbestos may have been a cause of this cancer. (Pl. Opp. at 2, ECF No. 114 at 2.) Plaintiffs point out that none of his doctors advised him that asbestos may have caused his illness and that it was only upon his own inquiry and investigation that this possibility became known to him. (Pl. Opp. at 6, ECF No. 114 at 6.) Moreover, Plaintiffs note that a December 24, 2012 medical chart note from one of his physicians (Dr. Assarsson) explicitly states "no worrisome exposures," despite the fact that Mr. Conneen had answered a series of questions pertaining to his line of work and any workplace exposures to chemicals, substances, or asbestos. (Pl. Opp. at 2 and 4–5, ECF No. 114 at 2 and 4–5.)
As legal authority for their position, Plaintiffs rely upon: Cochran v. GAF Corp. , 542 Pa. 210, 666 A.2d 245 (1995), Cappelli v. York Operating Co. , 711 A.2d 481, 486 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1998), Cathcart v. Keene Industrial Insulation , 324 Pa.Super. 123, 135–36, 471 A.2d 493, 500 (1984), Anthony v. Koppers Co., Inc. , 284 Pa.Super. 81, 91, 425 A.2d 428, 434 (1980), rev. other grnds , 496 Pa. 119, 436 A.2d 181 (1981), and Pearce v. Salvation Army , 449 Pa.Super. 654, 658, 674 A.2d 1123, 1125 (1996).
In support of their assertions, Plaintiffs cite to the following evidence (some of which overlaps with the evidence relied upon by Defendant):
• Affidavit of Mr. Conneen
Mr. Conneen states in his affidavit that:
(3) In December 2012, doctors found a mass on my lung by x-ray and CT scan.
(4) I underwent a biopsy on December 17, 2015 at Bryn Mawr Hospital.
(5) On December 18, 2012, Dr. John Devlin asked me a lot of questions during a consultation; including what I did for a living, whether I smoked, and if I had various exposures, like second hand smoke, asbestos, chemicals, and other things. While I was told I had lung cancer during the consultation, I was not told what caused, or may have caused it, to develop. At that time, the most immediate concern for my physicians,
for me and for my family was to treat the cancer and remove it from my body so that I might live.
(6) On December 24, 2012, I had a consultation with Erik Assarsson, MD at Bryn Mawr Hospital who had copies of my records. Again we discussed the history I gave and according to Dr. Assarsson, he noted I did not have any "worrisome exposures."
(7) Because the doctors at Bryn Mawr Hospital were uncomfortable performing the surgery I needed, we focused on locating another surgeon to remove the tumor.
(8) On January 18, 201[3], I had lung surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.
(9) I am aware the records show I was in the hospital for my lung cancer surgery from January 18, 201[3] until I was discharged on January 26, 2013.
(10) After recuperating from my surgery, and on February 12, 2013, my family and I had a surgical follow-up consultation with John C. Kucharczuk, MD at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital who reviewed the pathology findings with us.
(11) It was at this February 12, 2013, meeting that we asked Dr. Kucharczuk what might have caused my cancer and he indicated that asbestos may have been a cause. This was the first indication I had that asbestos may have been a cause of my cancer.
(12) I am also aware that at least one record states that I smoked many years ago. I never smoked cigarettes and that record is in error.
(Pl. Ex. A, ECF No. 114 at 13–15. (Emphasis added.))
• Bronchoscopy Report (Dated December 17, 2012)
Plaintiffs include a bronchoscopy report from Main Line Hospitals (Bryn Mawr Hospital) dated December 17, 2012, which indicates that a bronchoscopy was performed on Mr. Conneen on December 17, 2012. The report includes Dr. Piatt's typewritten name at the bottom (though there is no signature on the report and the line for identification of the report's dictator is left blank). The report contains no mention of cancer, asbestos, or asbestos exposure.
(Pl. Ex. B, ECF No. 114 at 16–17.)
• Cytopathology Report (Dated December 18, 2012)
Plaintiffs include a cytopathology report from Main Line Health Laboratories (Lankenau Medical Center) dated December 18, 2012, which indicates that a bronchial brushing and a bronchial washing were each "positive" and that notes for each: "Cells compatible with poorly differentiated carcinoma, non-small cell type (See biospsy ... for further work-up)." The report identifies Dr. Clarke Piatt, M.D. as the physician, and indicates that it was prepared (and finalized) on December 18, 2012 by Gary S. Daum, M.D. It contains no diagnosis of cancer nor any mention of asbestos or asbestos exposure.
(Pl. Ex. C, ECF No. 114 at 18–19.)
• Surgical Pathology Report (Dated December 19, 2012)
Plaintiffs include a cytopathology report from Main Line Health Laboratories (Bryn Mawr Hospital), which is dated December 19, 2012 and indicates a "final diagnosis" of: "lung, right upper lobe, transbronchial biopsy: poorly differentiated non-small cell carcinoma, favor adenocarcinoma. See comment." The report identifies Dr. Clarke Piatt, M.D. as the physician, indicates that it was prepared on December 17, 2012 by Dominic Boccella, PA (ASCP), that the "findings were discussed with Dr. Piatt on December 18, 2012," and that it was thereafter "electronically signed out" by Vincenzo Ciocca, D.O. on December 19, 2012. The report contains no mention of asbestos or asbestos exposure.
(Pl. Ex. D, ECF No. 114 at 20–21.)
• Letter from Dr. Assarsson (Dated December 24, 2012)
Plaintiffs include a December 24, 2012 letter from Dr. Assarsson to Dr. Piatt (with "cc" to Dr. Hamsher, Dr. Walker, and the Tumor Registry), which states, inter alia : "Pathology described a poorly differentiated non-small cell bronchogenic carcinoma favoring adenocarcinoma.... Mr. Conneen ... leads a very active lifestyle and typically record 27 miles per week on his treadmill. There is no history of tobacco use or worrisome exposures.... I have had a thorough discussion with Mr. Conneen and his family regarding the implications of these findings." (Emphasis added.) The record records "Impression:" as "Non-small cell bronchogenic carcinoma favoring adenocarcinoma, presenting with right upper lobe collapse, stage uncertain." The letter contains no mention of asbestos or asbestos exposure.
(Pl. Ex. E, ECF No. 114 at 22–24.)
• Hospital Discharge Summary
A January 26, 2013 "Hospital Discharge Summary" from Penn Medicine indicates that Mr. Conneen was admitted to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania on January 18, 2013 after surgeries (including a "[r]ight pneumonectomy, [t]racheoplasty, [p]atrial SVC [r]esection, [and] [m]ediastinoscopy") were performed there that day, and that he was thereafter released from the hospital on January 26, 2013. The summary identifies Dr. John Kucharczuk as the attending physician at the time of discharge and the physician for post-discharge follow-up. It indicates that it has been signed (in typewritten signature) by Benjamin Taylor, M.D. on January 26, 2013, and that it was thereafter electronically signed by John Kucharczuk, M.D. on February 6, 2013. The summary contains no mention of asbestos or asbestos exposure.
(Pl. Ex. F, ECF No. 114 at 25–30.)
• Surgical Pathology Report (Dated January 29, 2013)
A "Surgical Pathology Report" by the Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine (Division of Anatomic Pathology) of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (University of Pennsylvania Health System) contains information pertaining to a specimen (from Mr. Conneen's lung lobe) obtaining during a pneumonectomy. The report discusses a tumor
in his lung and states, "[l]esion on radiograph transbronchial biopsy showed non-small cell lung cancer favoring adenocarcinoma." (Page 1.) The "final diagnosis" indicates, in part: "Invasive poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma... involving right upper and lower lobes." (Page 2.) The report indicates that the collection date was January 18, 2013, the receipt date was January 18, 2013, and the date of verification was January 29, 2013. Two pathologists are identified: Charabas G. Deshpande, M.D. and MacLean P. Nasrallah, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Deshpande is identified as the report's verifier. (Page 3.) The report indicates four "Frozen Section Diagnos[e]s": three (3) of these are indicated to have been "called to Dr. Kucharczuk at 11:35 AM [no date specified] by CRG, Michelle R. Pramick, MD, Christine Carleton, PA(ASCP), Paul J Zhang, MD"; one (1) of these is indicated to have been "called to Dr. Kucharczuk at 1:46 PM [no date specified] via Michelle R. Pramick, MD, CRG, Christine Carleton, PA(ASCP), Paul J Zhang, MD." (Page 4.) The report contains no mention of asbestos or asbestos exposure.
(Pl. Ex. G, ECF No. 114 at 31–37.)
• Letter from Division of Thoracic Surgery (HUP) (Dated February 12, 2013)
A letter dated February 12, 2013 from Dr. John Kucharczuk, M.D., Associate Professor of Surgery with Penn Medicine (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania) to Dr. Clark Piatt, M.D., indicates that Mr. Conneen was seen by Dr. Kucharczuk that day and was admitted to the hospital for further testing, as he was not feeling well. The letter does not contain a handwritten signature, but appears to contain an electronic signature by (or on behalf of) Dr. Kucharczuk. The letter contains no mention of asbestos or asbestos exposure.
(Pl. Ex. H, ECF No. 114 at 38–39.)
IV. DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Defendant asserts that the statute of limitations on Plaintiffs' claims expired on December 18, 2014 (i.e., two years after the medical records from Mr. Connen's lung cancer treatment contain a mention of asbestos exposure), and that the "discovery rule" does not save Plaintiffs' claims (filed on January 20, 2015) because Mr. Conneen was not reasonably diligent in attempting to identify the cause of his lung cancer in order to pursue the claims. Plaintiffs assert that Mr. Conneen did not learn that his lung cancer may have been caused by asbestos until February 12, 2013, upon his own inquiry to Dr. Kucharczuk, such that his Complaint was clearly filed within two years of his learning of this information. Plaintiffs contend that Mr. Conneen was reasonably diligent in investigating the cause of his illness and pursuing his claims.
The Court now explains why summary judgment in favor of Defendant is not warranted under either the maritime law statute of limitations or the Pennsylvania law statute of limitations:
A. Maritime Law
To the extent that maritime law is applicable to Plaintiffs' claim(s) against Defendant, summary judgment is not warranted even by Defendant's own theory that Mr. Conneen learned of his potential claims by December 2012. This is because the applicable statute of limitations under maritime law is three years from the time the cause of action arose—which, under maritime law occurs "when a plaintiff has had a reasonable opportunity to discover his injury, its cause, and the link between the two." Crisman v. Odeco, Inc. , 932 F.2d 413, 415 (5th Cir. 1991) (cited by Nelson , 2011 WL 6016990, at *1 ). Therefore, even if, as Defendant asserts, Mr. Conneen's statute of limitations began to run in December of 2012 (when he was first diagnosed with lung cancer and when his medical records first mention a history of asbestos exposure), his Complaint—which was filed in January of 2015 (i.e., within three years of December 2012)—is clearly timely under maritime law. As such, to the extent that maritime law is applicable to Plaintiffs' claim(s) against Defendant, summary judgment in favor of Defendant is not warranted. Id.
Having determined that the maritime law statute of limitations does not bar any of Plaintiffs' claims, the Court next considers what effect (if any) the Pennsylvania statute of limitations has on Plaintiffs' claims.
B. Pennsylvania Law
It is undisputed that Mr. Conneen was first diagnosed with lung cancer in December of 2012. It is undisputed that Mr. Conneen's Complaint was filed on January 20, 2015. It is also undisputed that the Pennsylvania statute of limitations applicable to an asbestos-related injury is, in general, two years—and that Pennsylvania allows for tolling of the statute of limitations in some circumstances, including those in which a plaintiff was reasonably diligent in attempting to identify the cause of an injury but was unable to do so for some period of time due to no fault of his own (i.e., exceptions to the statute of limitations exists, such as one pursuant to the "discovery rule").
What is disputed, then, are the following two matters: (1) the date on which Mr. Conneen first discovered that asbestos exposure was potentially a cause of his lung cancer, and (2) whether he acted with reasonable diligence in attempting to identify the cause of his lung cancer. The Court will address each of these in turn:
1. Date of Discovery of Asbestos as a Possible Cause
Defendant asserts that Mr. Conneen knew (or should have known) that asbestos was a potential cause of his lung cancer (such that he could bring an asbestos-related claim) by December 18, 2012. This assertion is based upon (1) the December 18, 2012 "CT Scan [Final] Report," indicating that Mr. Conneen had a diagnosis of lung cancer, (Pl. Ex. D at 1 (ECF No. 90–4)), and (2) the December 18, 2012 report that Defendant characterizes as "memorializing a December 18, 2012 consultation among Mr. Conneen, his family, and Dr. John G. Devlin, indicat[ing] that Mr. Conneen had a ‘known history of asbestos exposure’ ... [and] that Mr. Conneen was ‘completely negative for any tobacco use, whatsoever’." (Pl. Ex. E at 2 (ECF No. 90–5)). (Def. Mot. at 2 (ECF No. 90 at 3).)
Mr. Conneen concedes that he was questioned about occupational asbestos exposure (among numerous other things, such as chemicals, toxins, and smoking) in December of 2012—but asserts that none of his many doctors every informed him that asbestos may have caused his cancer, and that he did not learn that asbestos was even potentially a cause of his lung cancer until February 12, 2013, when he met with Dr. Kucharczuk and took it upon himself to question Dr. Kucharczuk about what may have caused his cancer. Mr. Conneen also asserts that his medical records contained errors: (1) explicitly stated (after he divulged his history of asbestos exposure in response to a patient questionnaire)that he had experienced "no worrisome exposures," and (2) incorrectly noted in some places that he was a smoker when he has never smoked at all during his lifetime.
The Court has reviewed the medical records (and other evidence) submitted by the parties on both sides of the case. The key document upon which Defendant's argument rests is the December 18, 2012 medical record mentioning a history of asbestos exposure—which is also the sole document (in the medical records submitted by either party) that mentions asbestos. The document is a typewritten, three-page-long "Consultation" note on Main Line Hospitals (Bryn Mawr Hospital) letterhead, which appears to be a file note created by a physician for record-keeping purposes. The document states, inter alia , "Completely negative for any tobacco use, whatsoever.... Notably, [Mr. Conneen] does have known history of asbestos exposure, and possibly other industrial chemical exposure on the job." (Def. Ex. E at 2 (ECF No. 90–5).) It is not clear who created the document, as it does not contain a handwritten signature and the space for identifying the dictator of the note remains blank. The document contains a typewritten "John G. Devlin, M.D." toward the end and some electronic identifiers consisting solely of numbers (perhaps indicating that it was Dr. Devlin who created the note—or perhaps that someone else created the note and put Dr. Devlin's name on it—perhaps at his direction (or perhaps not at his direction)).
More importantly, however, there is nothing in the document that indicates that it was ever provided or shown to Mr. Conneen (or his family), or indicates the date of any alleged provision or showing. There is nothing in the document that indicates any discussion was held with Mr. Conneen about a potential link between asbestos exposure and his cancer at that December 18, 2012 consultation (or any time thereafter). Rather, the document indicates that it was sent to four (4) other physicians (Drs. Assarsson, Piatt, Hamsher, and Walker)—one of whom wrote a letter thereafter (on December 24, 2012) explicitly stating that Mr. Conneen had experienced "no worrisome exposure." As such, the existence of the document does not even suggest—much less establish—that Mr. Conneen was advised as to any potential link between his cancer and asbestos exposure (or that any such causal relationship was even alluded to).
Perhaps of significance, however, in determining when Mr. Conneen learned of the potential causal link between asbestos exposure and his cancer (and also for purposes of (1) the Court's consideration below of (a) "reasonable diligence" on the part of Mr. Conneen and/or (b) the potential availability of the "fraudulent concealment" theory of tolling, as well as (2) the identification of material factual disputes as to what was known and communicated by whom (and when) regarding Mr. Conneen's cancer and its cause), what perhaps can reasonably be inferred from the document is that five (5) separate physicians involved in Mr. Conneen's care at Main Line Hospital/Bryn Mawr Hospital (Drs. Devlin, Assarsson, Piatt, Hamsher, and Walker) were aware (or had information in their records indicating) that Mr. Conneen had experienced occupational asbestos exposure but, according to Mr. Conneen, never once informed him that asbestos may have caused his cancer. (The Court notes that this is an assertion that it cannot conclude is implausible, given the lack of any documentation in the medical records that anyone ever discussed with Mr. Conneen (or his subsequent physician (Dr. Kucharczuk) at the University of Pennsylvania Health System/Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, to whom these physicians appear to have referred Mr. Conneen) a potential link between the asbestos exposure they were aware of and the lung cancer for which they were treating him.)
Perhaps also of some significance for these considerations, while the December 18, 2012 document exchanged among the five physicians clearly states that (1) Mr. Conneen is a lifelong non -smoker who (2) had a "notable" history of asbestos exposure"—a subsequent letter from one of these physicians (on December 24, 2012) explicitly denies any "worrisome exposures." Similarly, there is potentially some significance in the fact that, according to Mr. Conneen, there were other records created in his chart which stated incorrectly and/or erroneously that he had a history of smoking when in fact, as the December 18, 2012 record indicates and Mr. Conneen confirms, he is a lifelong non -smoker. In short, the December 18, 2012 note (which appears to be an internal hospital record) seems to (1) corroborate Mr. Conneen's version of events (i.e., underscores the existence of genuine disputes of material fact regarding what happened when), and (2) make it surprising that there is no documentation in his medical records that any of his at least five (5) physicians discussed with him the possible cause of his lung cancer (which, based on this information documented in his chart, could not have been smoking but could, "notably," have been asbestos exposure) (i.e., raises fact questions as to the applicability of the "tolling" exception(s) to the statute of limitations).
To summarize, the evidence presented by Defendant does not establish that Mr. Conneen learned of asbestos as a potential cause of his cancer in December of 2012. Moreover, because Mr. Conneen asserts that he first learned of this possible link in February 2013 (less than two years before he filed his Complaint), there is a genuine dispute of material fact as to when Mr. Conneen learned of this possible causal link. Therefore, if the statute of limitations began to run when Mr. Conneen first knew of a possible causal link between asbestos exposure and his cancer, summary judgment is not warranted because this is a fact question for the jury. See Anderson , 477 U.S. at 248–50, 106 S.Ct. 2505.
Although Defendant's evidence has not established when (or even whether) Mr. Conneen became aware of the possible causal link between asbestos exposure and his cancer, for purposes of deciding Defendant's motion for summary judgment (i.e., to the extent that Defendant contends that the statute began to run in December of 2012 regardless of when Mr. Conneen first learned of the potential causal link), the Court next considers whether summary judgment may be warranted on grounds that Mr. Conneen failed to act with reasonable diligence in attempting to ascertain the cause of his cancer after its diagnosis in December of 2012. See Fine v. Checcio , 582 Pa. at 267–68, 870 A.2d at 858–59 ("Where, however, reasonable minds would not differ in finding that a party knew or should have known on the exercise of reasonable diligence of his injury and its cause, ... the discovery rule does not apply as a matter of law.... In addition to the discovery rule, the doctrine of fraudulent concealment serves to toll the running of the statute of limitations. The doctrine is based on a theory of estoppel ... [and] it is for the court to determine whether an estoppel results" (emphasis added).)
2. Use of Reasonable Diligence in Identifying Cause of Illness
It is undisputed that (1) Mr. Conneen learned of his lung cancer diagnosis in December of 2012, (2) he discussed asbestos exposure as a possible cause of his illness with Dr. Kucharczuk on February 12, 2013, and (3) he filed his Complaint on January 20, 2015. Therefore, it is clear that his Complaint was filed within two years of his discussion with Dr. Kucharczuk. The issue for the Court to consider, then, is whether Mr. Conneen acted with reasonable diligence under the circumstances in seeking to identify the cause of his cancer during the period from December 18, 2012 (when he was diagnosed) until February 12, 2012 (when the evidence indicates he discovered from Dr. Kucharczuk that asbestos may have been the cause). See Gustine Uniontown Assocs . , 577 Pa. at 30 n.8, 842 A.2d at 344 (citing Crouse , 560 Pa. 394, 745 A.2d at 611 ). Pursuant to the guidance in Fine v. Checcio , the Court considers this issue in the context of each of the two related theories of "tolling" of the statute of limitations:
a. The "Discovery Rule"
Unlike the situation in Cochran , this Court cannot say in the case at hand that Mr. Conneen did not act with reasonable diligence under the circumstances. In Cochran , the plaintiff did not question his physician about the possible cause of his lung cancer until over three years and ten months after his diagnosis, which led the court to reject a tolling of the statute of limitation under the "discovery rule" exception to the statute of limitations and grant summary judgment in favor of the defendant because it found that, as a matter of law, the plaintiff had not acted with reasonable diligence (i.e., reasonable minds could not differ as to whether he had acted with reasonable diligence). In stark contrast, in the case at hand, the time that it took Mr. Conneen to discover that asbestos was potentially a cause of his illness was less than two months, part of which time he was undergoing surgery, hospitalized, and recovering from surgery. A reasonable jury could conclude from these facts that Mr. Conneen was reasonably diligent under the circumstances. See Anderson , 477 U.S. at 248–50, 106 S.Ct. 2505. In short, the Court must conclude that, with respect to the "discovery rule" theory of tolling of the statute of limitations, there is, at the very least, as genuine dispute of material fact as to whether Mr. Conneen exercised reasonable diligence in identifying his claim, such that the statute of limitations should be tolled during that period of approximately two months (i.e., such that his Complaint would be timely pursuant to the "discovery rule"). See id. As such, summary judgment in favor of Defendant on grounds of the Pennsylvania statute of limitations is not warranted. See id.
b. The "Doctrine of Fraudulent Concealment"
Because the facts and assertions set forth in Plaintiffs' opposition seem to suggest (without directly asserting) the possibility that the "doctrine of fraudulent concealment" (which can apply even in situations of unintentional deception or concealment of evidence) may also be applicable (and to address the second theory of tolling for a jury to potentially consider in the event that a jury should determine that the facts and circumstances pertinent to the "discovery rule" alone do not warrant tolling), the Court addresses this second theory of tolling briefly.
The same standard of "reasonable diligence under the circumstances" is applicable under the "fraudulent concealment" theory of tolling as under the "discovery rule" theory. See Fine v. Checcio , 582 Pa. at 271, 870 A.2d at 861. Therefore, the Court would have to conclude, as just set forth above, that there is at least a fact question for the jury as to whether Mr. Conneen acted with reasonable diligence in pursuing his claim. However, the Court notes that, under the current evidentiary record submitted in connection with Defendant's motion for summary judgment and Plaintiffs' opposition thereto, there is no direct evidence to establish—and insufficient allegations to create a fact question on—the issue of whether there was any conduct that would constitute "fraudulent concealment" or "unintentional deception" warranting application of this doctrine). It is true that there is evidence from the medical records and Mr. Conneen's affidavit that: (1) at least five physicians (and perhaps other medical professionals) were advised that Mr. Conneen was a life-long non -smoker who had experienced "notable" asbestos exposure, (2) none of these physicians or medical professionals advised Mr. Conneen that his lung cancer may have been linked to the asbestos exposure (of which they were aware), (3) at least one of these physicians subsequently created a record stating not only that there were no "worrisome exposures" but also that he had a "had a thorough discussion with Mr. Conneen and his family regarding the implications" of this, and (4) someone included erroneous information in his file indicating that he had a history of smoking (which would seem to create evidence in his medical records suggesting—and, thus a basis for misleading other physicians subsequently reviewing the records to assume or conclude—that Mr. Conneen's cancer may have been caused by smoking). However, this alone does not permit a reasonable jury to conclude that the statute of limitations was tolled due to fraudulent or unintentional deception or concealment of the causation information pertinent to an asbestos cause of action. This is because, under the rationale of Fine v. Checcio , the rule only applies where the conduct of the defendant has been fraudulent or otherwise deceptive—and there is no evidence in the record (or allegations warranting consideration of circumstantial evidence) that, in the occurrence of this unusual chain of events, any of the physicians (or other medical professionals) were either acting on behalf of Defendant to protect it from liability or were otherwise acting as agents for Defendant in unintentionally deceiving or "lulling" Mr. Conneen by concealing his potential claim. See Fine v. Checcio , 582 Pa. at 270–71, 870 A.2d at 860 (citing Deemer , 324 Pa. 85, 187 A. 215 (1936) ). For this reason, the Court cannot conclude at this stage of the litigation that the "doctrine of fraudulent concealment" is applicable. See Fine v. Checcio , 582 Pa. at 270–71, 870 A.2d at 860.
V. CONCLUSION
Defendant's motion for summary judgment on grounds of the Pennsylvania statute of limitations is denied. The Court's sua sponte consideration of the availability of summary judgment on grounds of the maritime law statute of limitations (pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56(e)(3) ) also requires that the motion be denied.