Court Remands Asbestos Action, Says Avondale Failed to Show U.S. Government Exercised Control Over Safety Practices

NEW ORLEANS –– A Louisiana federal court has remanded an asbestos action, finding that the removing defendant had failed to show that the U.S. government exercised any control over the company’s safety practices.

In the May 4 opinion, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana subsequently found that the removal on federal officer grounds was improper.

Plaintiff James A. Latiolais asserted the underlying claims, contending that he developed mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products he encountered while working aboard the USS Tappahannock as a machinist at Avondale Shipyard.

During his deposition, …