Missouri Federal Court Remands Asbestos Action, Says Removing Defendant Failed to Prove Fraudulent Joinder

ST. LOUIS –– A Missouri federal court has remanded an asbestos suit, concluding that the removing defendant had not met its burden to show that one of the defendants was fraudulently joined.

In the July 22 order, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri remanded the case to the St. Louis Circuit Court.

Plaintiff James Hartfield filed the underlying claims, contending that he developed mesothelioma as a result of secondhand exposure. Hartfield specifically said that his father –– a pipefitter for nearly 20 years –– brought asbestos fibers home on his work clothing.

Hartfield incurred …