Maryland Federal Court Refuses to Remand Asbestos Case, Dismisses Claims Against Higbee

BALTIMORE –– A Maryland federal court has refused to remand an asbestos case, saying that the defendants were not put on notice that federal jurisdiction was available until the plaintiff identified the specific U.S. Naval ship on which he was allegedly exposed to asbestos.

In the same Oct. 30 order, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland granted Higbee Inc.’s motion to dismiss the claims for lack of personal jurisdiction.

Plaintiff Marvin Tawney filed the lawsuit, contending that his work as an electrician, maintenance man, boiler repairman, pipefitter and laborer caused him to be exposed to asbestos. …