Welding Rod Defendant Argues Texas Law Applies to Underlying Insurance Dispute

BEAUMONT, Texas -- A defendant named in a multi-plaintiff welding rod and asbestos exposure lawsuit has filed a motion seeking confirmation that Texas law applies to a declaratory judgment action filed against the company's insurers. Benoit, et al. v. J. Ray McDermott Inc., et al., No. A-168572 (Texas 58th Dist. Ct., Jefferson Cty.).

In a motion filed Jan. 3 in the Texas 58th District Court for Jefferson County, J. Ray McDermott claims that the insurance policies at issue were negotiated in Texas and the plaintiffs' underlying claims allege exposure in Texas, therefore justifying the application of Texas law to the …