La. Court Opts to Apply Louisiana Law to Asbestos Claims, Rejects Defense Stance that Idaho Law Applies

NEW ORLEANS –– A Louisiana federal court has opted to apply Louisiana, not Idaho, law to survivorship and wrongful death claims, finding that while the alleged tortious behavior occurred in Idaho, Louisiana’s interests in the outcome of the case were stronger.

In the March 13 order, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana concluded that the “consequence of that conduct and injury are felt most acutely here in Louisiana….”

The plaintiffs brought the claims on behalf of William C. Bell, contending that his mesothelioma was caused by exposure to asbestos-containing products he encountered while serving in the …