Mississippi Rules Against Out of State Asbestos Cases
Article Added December 27th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
Two separate asbestos appeals have prompted the Mississippi Supreme Court to reiterate a ruling that they will not hear cases involving out of state plaintiffs. The ruling allows for cases where the damage took place within the state.
Two separate asbestos-related cases forced the Mississippi Supreme Court to again rule against hearing complaints of out of state plaintiffs. The ruling occurred after plaintiffs from other states were lumped in with other, local plaintiffs while seeking damages for asbestos-related diseases. The Supreme Court ruled that, unless the exposure actually occurred within the state, plaintiffs couldn’t sue a Mississippi-based company along with other people.
The Chief Justice stated that mesothelioma cases that involve out of state plaintiffs are a funnel for resources in the judicial system. Mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer linked with asbestos exposure, can take years to diagnose and is often times fatal at the time of detection. Often, mesothelioma cases are lumped together in order to get a swift settlement for all involved, in essence racing the clock before the victim dies. Though the Court states that the bundled cases are a good way to seek restitution, the state of Mississippi will no longer be responsible for trying other state’s cases, no matter where the responsible party is based.
Article Added December 27th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
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