Defendants Cite Janssen v. Armond in Motion to Sever, Transfer Silica Claims

GREENVILLE, Miss. - Numerous defendants have joined in a 3M motion to sever a multi-plaintiff Mississippi silica suit, claiming that under the state's recently amended Rule 20, the plaintiffs have failed to provide a factual basis for joinder of their claims and have presented no evidence that their alleged exposures occurred in the county where the complaint is filed. Jenkins, et al. v. Pulmosan Safety Equipment, et al., No. CI2002-318 (Miss. Cir. Ct., Washington Cty.).

In a May 5 motion to continue, sever and transfer the claims to the circuit courts in counties where venue is proper, the defendants allege …