N.J. Court Refuses to Remand Asbestos Action, Says Removal of Claims was Timely

NEWARK, N.J. –– A New Jersey federal court has denied a motion to remand an asbestos action, saying that defendants were not made aware that federal jurisdiction was available until the plaintiffs filed answers to interrogatory questions.

In the June 17 order, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey said the question of the timeliness of removal was “not a close” one, since the plaintiffs specifically disclaimed any asbestos exposure occurred during the plaintiff’s naval service in their original complaint.

“Until [the interrogatory answers] were served, Defendants had no notice that Mr. Thomasson was alleging exposure from …