La. Judge Says Turbine Makers’ Arguments Survive Test for Federal Officer Removal

NEW ORLEANS — A federal judge in Louisiana has ruled that asbestos claims filed by a Navy machinist were properly removed by defendants who maintain that their products were designed and manufactured in accordance with strict military specifications requiring the use of asbestos. Najolia v. Northrop Grumman Ship Systems Inc., et al., No. 12-821 (E.D. La.).

In a May 23 order, Judge Carl J. Barbier of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana denied plaintiff Frank Najolia Jr.’s motion to remand his case to state court, citing the defendants’ evidentiary showing that their actions were conducted under …