Ward

Statement of Facts On April 17, 2012, Patricia Ward filed a complaint against multiple corporate defendants alleging she suffered from mesothelioma as a result of work-related exposure to asbestos-containing products they manufactured or distributed. Ward had worked in a laundry where pads “associated with the ironing boards and presses were made from asbestos.” Among the named defendants was Goss-Jewett Co. of Northern California (Goss-Jewett or the company). Goss-Jewett sold laundry products to the dry cleaning industry. Goss-Jewett ceased operations in 2000 and has no assets, with the possible exception of liability insurance. The company “never formally wound-down because it could not and still cannot afford to do so.” Goss-Jewett’s corporate status is listed as “active” with the California Secretary of State and its agent for service of process is Stephen Lamanet. Lamanet is the son of the original owner of Goss-Jewett and currently owns 51 percent of the company. On May 24, 2012, the complaint and summons were personally served upon Lamanet as Goss-Jewett’s agent. Lamanet sent the documents to an attorney, Randall C. Creech, of Creech, Liebow & Kraus of San Jose. Creech did…