N.J. Court Remands Asbestos-Containing Talc Case, Says In-State Defendants Not Fraudulently Joined

NEWARK – A New Jersey federal court has remanded an action involving an alleged asbestos-containing talcum powder, contending that the plaintiff did not fraudulently join in-state companies accused of supplying talc to Colgate-Palmolive.

In the Sept. 6 order, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey found that the claims asserted against the two in-state defendants were not insubstantial or frivolous.

Plaintiff Gilbert Paul Hernandez filed the underlying action, alleging that his mother developed mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing talcum powder manufactured by Colgate-Palmolive.

Hernandez moved to remand his case, arguing that the …