Maryland Court Grants Motion to Sever and Remand Non-Third-Party Claims in Asbestos Case

BALTIMORE –– A Maryland federal court has granted a motion to sever and remand all non-third-party claims in an asbestos case, ruling that none of the defendants named in the original action had requested removal.

In the July 18 order, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland noted that it was a the third-party defendant –– against whom the plaintiff had not filed any claims –– that asserted the lone federal defense that provides the court with original jurisdiction.

Plaintiff Wayne Oliver filed the underlying complaint, contending that his work as a pipefitter and drafting apprentice at …