4th Circuit Affirms Ruling Allowing Asbestos Plaintiffs to Disclaim Damages Relating to Crane Co.’s Valves

RICHMOND, Va. –– The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit has affirmed a ruling permitting an asbestos plaintiff to disclaim all damages relating to alleged exposure from asbestos in Crane Co.’s valves, for which the defendant had successfully established federal jurisdiction.

In the Aug. 15 opinion, the 4th Circuit opined that Crane Co. had made a strategic decision not to assert removal as to the plaintiff’s gasket-based claims and, as such, the federal court did not err when it held the defendant to that tactical decision.

Plaintiff James Joyner asserted the underlying claims, contending that his …