Court Affirms Forum-Related Decision But Says Case Should be Stayed, Not Dismissed

LOS ANGELES -- A California appellate court has upheld a trial court's dismissal of an asbestos case on forum grounds, but has directed the court to enter a stay in the proceedings as opposed to an outright dismissal. Reaser, et al. v. A.W. Chesterton Co., et al., No. B219026 (Calif. 2nd Dist. Ct. App., Div. 7).

In the Nov. 8 opinion, the 2nd District Court of Appeal said that since questions have been raised regarding personal jurisdiction in the alternative forum, staying the action preserves the plaintiffs' right to pursue claims in California, should they fail in Florida.

The …