Wash. Court Awards $7,702.50 in Attorneys’ Fees to Asbestos Plaintiff After Finding Defendants’ Removal ‘Unreasonable’

SEATTLE –– A Washington federal court has awarded an asbestos plaintiff $7,702.50 in attorneys’ fees after finding that a defendant had relied on an untenable argument in removing the case to federal court for the second time.

In the Sept. 15 order, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington found that the hourly rate and time expended on the remand motion by plaintiffs’ counsel was reasonable.

The plaintiffs initially filed their lawsuit in 2006, arguing that Henry Barabin’s mesothelioma was caused by exposure to asbestos-containing products. Only two defendants remain in the personal injury action: AstenJohnson Inc. …