Damages Sought by Two Nationwide Class Actions Alleging Economic Loss Exceed Jurisdictional Limit, Judge Rules

MINNEAPOLIS - A federal judge ruled that the amount in damages sought by the class representatives in two putative nationwide class action suits, which seek to recover damages for individuals who suffered economic loss as a result of purchasing Baycol, exceeded the jurisdictional limit of $75,000. In re: Baycol Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 1431 (D. Minn.).

In denying the plaintiffs' motions to remand, U.S. District Judge Michael J. Davis stated that because the complaints reserved the right for proposed class members to file individual claims for personal injuries it was possible that the amount in controversy could exceed …