R.I. Court Denies Plaintiff Request to Voluntarily Dismiss Asbestos Complaint, Says Dismissal Would Prejudice Defendants

PROVIDENCE, R.I. –– A Rhode Island court has denied an asbestos plaintiff’s motion to voluntarily dismiss her suit without prejudice, saying it would prejudice the named defendants since they have “actively participated in the litigation….”

In the April 20 opinion, the Rhode Island Superior Court noted that the defendants have filed summary judgment motions that have not yet been ruled on, and have not objected to jurisdiction in the state.

Plaintiff Loretta Belac filed the underlying asbestos-related action naming a number of defendants, including Evenheat Kiln Inc., and Sargent Art Inc. Both defendants filed summary judgment motions, challenging a number …