Texas Long-Arm Jurisdiction Extends to Hoffmann-La Roche in Asbestos Case

EL PASO, Texas - A Texas appeals court has upheld a trial court's decision to deny pharmaceutical giant Hoffmann-La Roche's special appearance to argue that it has insufficient contacts with Texas to be named as a defendant in an asbestos case pending in state court there. Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., v. Kwasnik, et al., No. 08-02-00137 (Texas App. Ct., Eighth Dist.).

The Eighth District Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court's decision March 27, determining that the maintenance of the suit in Texas state court does not offend traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice.

'Considering the evidence which tends …