'Minimal' Exposure Argument Insufficient to Justify Venue Change, Judge Says

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - A state court judge in Mississippi has refused to transfer the silica claims of a former sandblaster despite the revelation that a substantial amount of his exposure occurred in a county other than where the case was filed. Johnson v. Air Liquide America Corp., et al., No. CI-2007-010 (Miss. Cir. Ct., Jackson Cty.).

Judge Robert P. Krebs ruled Dec. 29 that the silicosis claims of Leon C. Johnson Jr. should remain in Jackson County Circuit Court, despite defense arguments that Johnson's exposure to silica in that county was insufficient, or too "minimal" to establish venue.

Defendants Clark …