N.C. Court Denies Higbee’s Motion to Dismiss Asbestos Claims, Says Plaintiffs Established Personal Jurisdiction

ASHEVILLE, N.C. –– A magistrate judge’s recommendation that Higbee Inc.’s efforts to dismiss asbestos claims on personal jurisdiction grounds be denied has been accepted by a North Carolina federal court, according to a recent order.

In the March 26 order, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina found that the plaintiffs had presented enough evidence to establish that the plaintiffs’ claims arose out of Higbee’s contacts with the state.

The plaintiffs asserted the claims on behalf of Frank Vernon Miller, who allegedly developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure.

Defendant Higbee moved to …