Real-Time Court Decisions and Other Developments in Asbestos Litigation.
The plaintiffs filed this action against multiple defendants including Foster Wheeler for Mr. Hukkanen’s alleged development of mesothelioma after serving as a machinist onboard the USS Somers and USS Walke from 1960 through 1968. Foster Wheeler removed the case, arguing that it was acting under an officer or agency of the United States. Foster Wheeler … Continued
The plaintiffs commenced this action in state court alleging that various products caused plaintiff Ralph Shonkwiler to develop mesothelioma. Defendant CBS Corporation (Westinghouse) removed the matter to federal court based on the federal officer statute since the plaintiffs claimed exposure to their product was a Navy turbine and the claimed exposure took place while plaintiff … Continued
Plaintiff Howard Zeringue brought suit against Crane Co. and various other defendants in state court for injuries allegedly caused by exposure to asbestos. The plaintiff alleged that he was first exposed to asbestos in 1952 while he was deployed with the U.S. Navy and served in various capacities in the Navy aboard three vessels until … Continued
The plaintiff sued various defendants for negligence, strict liability, and fraudulent inducement. Crane removed to federal court under the federal officer removal statute, and plaintiff moved to remand. The court denied this motion. To remove under Section 1442(a)(1) the defendant must qualify as a “person” under the federal officer removal statute, must act under the … Continued
The plaintiff brought a wrongful death lawsuit after her husband died of mesothelioma, alleging asbestos exposure during her husband’s service in the Navy. Originally filed in Madison County, Illinois, defendant Crane Co. removed on the basis of the federal officer removal statute. The plaintiff filed a motion to remand, arguing that Crane waived its right … Continued