Appellate Court Reverses Dismissal of Claims from Spanish Foreign Nationals

TRENTON, N.J. -- A New Jersey appellate court has reversed dismissal of asbestos claims brought by Spanish foreign nationals, finding that the defendants had failed to prove that Spain was a more proper forum for the claims. Varo, et al. v. Owens-Illinois, et al., No. A-3332-06T3 (N.J. Super. Ct., App. Div.).

The opinion was approved for publication on May 27 by the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court.

The consolidated appeal involves claims brought by 15 "lifelong Spanish nationals and residents" who claim they were wrongfully exposed to asbestos.

All the plaintiffs worked aboard U.S. Navy ships …