N.Y. Court Retains Jurisdiction of Asbestos Cosmetic Talc Case, Rejects Forum Challenges from Several Defendants

NEW YORK –– A New York trial court has rejected separate efforts by defendants in an asbestos cosmetic talcum powder case to dismiss the claims on forum non conveniens grounds, opining in part that splintering the case would create the risk of conflicting rulings between courts of different jurisdiction.

The New York Supreme Court for New York County issued the separate rulings on Aug. 6, refuting efforts by Colgate-Palmolive, Imerys Talc America Inc., and Cyprus Amax Minerals Co. to dismiss the asbestos claims on a number of jurisdiction grounds.

In their complaint, the plaintiffs contend that Mary Black, 61, developed …