N.D. Texas Rules Removal Was Untimely, Remands to State Court

DALLAS - The attempts of several asbestos companies to remove a case to federal court failed when the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas found their notice of removal untimely, granting the plaintiff's motion to remand and returning the suit to the 354th District Court of Texas. Hines v. AC&S, et al., No. 3:00cv2637X (N.D. Texas).

The court ruled on Jan. 24 that defendants collectively failed to act on certain issues of fact when they were revealed, thus missing the 30-day removal period.

Plaintiffs Norman and Frankie Hines are the only remaining active plaintiffs in this asbestos …