Evidence Linking Respirator Retailers to Employers Sufficient for Colorable Claim

LONDON, Ky. - A federal judge in Kentucky has severed and remanded the claims of numerous plaintiffs after determining that they have provided sufficient evidence of colorable claims against non-diverse retailers who sold respirators allegedly linked to their injuries. Adams, et al. v. Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, et al., No. 04-521 (E.D. Ky.).

Judge Danny C. Reeves of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky issued the order July 22, in part granting the plaintiffs' motion to remand the cases to the Leslie County Circuit Court.

According to Judge Reeves, discovery evidence linking the plaintiffs' employers …