Update: Wisconsin appeals court reinstates asbestos lawsuit

MADISON — A Wisconsin appeals court has reinstated a woman's lawsuit alleging asbestos at a number of Milwaukee businesses killed her husband.

Sandra Brezonick filed a lawsuit in 2012 against a number of companies alleging her husband, John Brezonick, suffered from asbestos after working as a steamfitter in the Milwaukee area between 1966 and 2000. A judge last year dismissed the lawsuit, ruling the defendants were protected by a state law that bars lawsuits over injuries suffered during work to improve property.

The 1st District Court of Appeals reinstated the lawsuit Tuesday against Pabst Brewing Company, Miller Brewing Company, Sprinkmann Sons Corporation and Wisconsin Electric Power Company. The court said those companies failed to show how John Brezonick's work amounted to improvements.

The companies' attorneys didn't immediately respond to an email.