Court Vacates Default Judgment, Says Defendant Showed Good Cause

NATCHEZ, Miss. - A federal court has agreed to set aside a default judgment against a Mississippi man in an asbestos-related fraud suit, stating that federal policy favors the disposition of actions on the merits. Illinois Central Railroad Co. v. Turner, No. 07-18 (S.D. Miss.).

Judge David C. Bramlette III of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi also said in the May 10 order that Warren R. Turner Jr., 70, showed good cause for his delay in filing an answer to Illinois Central Railroad Co.'s fraud complaint.

Illinois Central sued Turner on Feb. 1, alleging that …