Court: Trial Judge Correctly Stayed Action to Resolve Forum Dispute

LOS ANGELES -- A California appellate court has affirmed a trial court ruling staying an asbestos action, agreeing with the lower court's conclusion that Washington was a more appropriate forum for the lawsuit. Wangen, et al. v. Gardner Denver Inc., et al., No. B208347 (Calif. 2nd Dist. Ct. App., Div. 4).

In the Feb. 2 ruling, the California Second District Court of Appeal found that both private and public interests favor Washington jurisdiction, rejecting the plaintiffs' contention that the majority of the alleged asbestos exposure occurred in California.

"California residents should not be expected to serve as jurors in …