Texas Judge Applies 'First Filed' Rule, Transfers $45M Action

BEAUMONT, Texas - Applying the "first-to-file" rule, a Texas federal judge on April 22 transferred a $45 million dispute involving reinsurance coverage for a 2006 explosion at a chemical plant. Huntsman Corp. v. International Risk Insurance Co. v. ACE American Insurance Co., et al., No. 1:08-CV-029 (E.D. Texas).

Judge Marcia A. Crone of the Eastern District of Texas transferred the action to the Southern District of Texas, ruling that it has significant overlap with a case pending in that district.

In April 2006, an explosion and fire occurred in the ethylene refrigeration and processing area at Huntsman Corp.'s Aromatics and …