La. Judge Finds No Federal Question in Shipyard Safety Dispute

NEW ORLEANS - Shipyard defendants in a mesothelioma lawsuit have failed to establish that their safety and warning-related activities concerning asbestos were under federal direction, a Louisiana judge ruled in remanding the case to state court. Bradley v. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., et al., No. 07-1422 (E.D. La.).

Judge A.J. McNamara of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana also said in the April 12 order that neither immunity under the "Government Contractors Defense" nor immunity under the Longshore Harbor Workers Compensation Act provide the defendants with a colorable federal defense.

Frank Bradley alleges he was exposed …