Fla. Court Throws out Fraudulent Concealment Claims in Part; Allows Negligence, Strict Products Liability Claims to Proceed

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –– A Florida federal court has thrown out fraudulent concealment claims asserted against a number of defendants in an asbestos exposure suit, but has allowed other causes of action –– such as negligence and strict liability –– to proceed.

In the April 27 order, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida additionally held that the case could not be dismissed under the state’s heightened pleading requirements for asbestos and silica claims since federal procedural law governs the claims.

The plaintiffs contended in their complaint that Darryl Dugas developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure …