Meritorious Defenses Warrant Setting Aside of Default Order in Maryland Federal Court

BALTIMORE - A federal judge in Maryland has set aside a default order in an asbestos exposure lawsuit because the defendant demonstrated it acted with reasonable promptness and alleged a meritorious defense in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Esteppe et al. v. Patapsco & Back Rivers Railroad Co., No. 00-CV-3040 (D. Md.).

David Esteppe and Donald Gray sued their employer, Patapsco & Back Rivers Railroad Co., under the Federal Employers' Liability Act, 45 U.S.C. § 51 et seq. and the Safety Appliance Act, 45U.S.C. §§ 1-16, in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. They alleged …