Mo. Supreme Court Sides with Talc Defendants, Moves Blaes Claims to St. Louis County

ST. LOUIS –– The Missouri Supreme Court has found that a trial court abused its discretion in overruling motions to sever and transfer talcum powder claims, concluding that the case should be tried in St. Louis County, not St. Louis City.

In a Feb. 13 opinion, the Missouri Supreme Court opined that the only basis for venue in St. Louis City was the joinder of the claims with those of a separate plaintiff.

“This is a clear and direct violation of the express language of Rule 51.01,” the court opined.

Several dissenting opinions were filed the same day. …