Louisiana Federal Court Remands Asbestos Action, Says Plaintiffs Satisfied ‘Minimal Burden’ of Asserting Jones Act Claims

NEW ORLEANS –– A Louisiana federal court has remanded an asbestos case, ruling that the removing defendants had failed to prove that there was no possibility the plaintiffs could establish a cause of action under the Jones Act.

In the Feb. 11 order, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana also found the plaintiffs had not asserted a claim that would give rise to federal question jurisdiction.

The plaintiffs allege they were exposed to asbestos-containing products while employed as offshore oil and gas workers. The claims were asserted under both the Jones Act and general maritime law.