Mississippi Judge Adopts Recommendation to Refuse Asbestos-Tobacco Synergy Claims

JACKSON, Miss. - A judge in Mississippi has elected to adopt the recommendation of his special master in an asbestos-tobacco synergy case, effectively dismissing claims against tobacco defendants that were set for trial later this month. Thomas v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., et al., No. 98-0065 (Miss. Cir. Ct., Jefferson Cty.).

The May 24 decision by Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Lamar Pickard also casts a dark cloud over similar claims filed by asbestos defendants against Big Tobacco to recoup money paid to cover thousands of claims against Owens Corning for asbestos-related injuries.

Several asbestos defendants have sued makers …