Asbestos MDL Judge Adopts Recommendation Regarding Service of Process on Out-of-State Shipowner Defendants

PHILADELPHIA –– The judge overseeing the national Asbestos Products Liability Multidistrict Litigation has adopted a report and recommendation regarding the production of green cards as a means of proving service of process on out-of-state defendants.

In the May 12 order, Judge Eduardo C. Robreno of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania permitted the plaintiffs extra time to cure the defect of belated service of process in certain cases as well, ruling that the defendants would not be prejudiced by the move.

In August, Judge Robreno granted 418 motions to dismiss brought by shipowner defendants, concluding …