Court Rules Big Tobacco Can Be Joined to Asbestos Claim

BALTIMORE - A theory that those exposed to cigarette smoke and asbestos face a greater risk of developing lung cancer may have received a boost recently when a state appeals court ruled that tobacco and asbestos defendants can be joined to the same lawsuit. Gress, et al., v. ACandS, Inc., et al., Nos. 179, 185, 188 & 191 Sept. Term 2002 (Md. Ct. Spec. App.).

Finding that there are important policy reasons for permitting the joinder of asbestos and tobacco defendants to the same personal injury complaint, the Maryland Court of Special Appeals on March 31 reversed a trial court …