Minn. Court Affirms Dismissal of 3rd-Party Contribution Claims

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- A Minnesota appellate court has affirmed the dismissal of third-party contribution claims, ruling that the settling party cannot use said claims to shift liability. Strand, et al. v. Allied Insulation Supply Co., et al., No. A06-1623 (Minn. Ct. App.).

In the Aug. 21 decision, the Minnesota Court of Appeals found that since the parties named in the third-party contribution lawsuit were not party to the settlement agreement, liability cannot be imposed upon them.

Plaintiff James Strand asserted the claims, contending his asbestosis was a result of occupational exposure. In 1990, he settled workers' compensation claims …