The plaintiffs commenced this action in state court alleging that various products caused plaintiff Ralph Shonkwiler to develop mesothelioma. Defendant CBS Corporation (Westinghouse) removed the matter to federal court based on the federal officer statute since the plaintiffs claimed exposure to their product was a Navy turbine and the claimed exposure took place while plaintiff was serving in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Ingram. In January 2017, the plaintiffs informed the court that all claims against Westinghouse were resolved and Westinghouse was dismissed from the …
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U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit Finds Removal is Proper Under Federal Officer Removal Statute
Plaintiff Howard Zeringue brought suit against Crane Co. and various other defendants in state court for injuries allegedly caused by exposure to asbestos. The plaintiff alleged that he was first exposed to asbestos in 1952 while he was deployed with the U.S. Navy and served in various capacities in the Navy aboard three vessels until 1956. The plaintiff also alleged he was later exposed to asbestos at two other jobs. However, the plaintiff did not provide the time period for his alleged post-naval exposure. Crane …
Continue ReadingCrane Asserted a Colorable Federal Defense to Establish Jurisdiction Under Federal Officer Removal Statute
The plaintiff sued various defendants for negligence, strict liability, and fraudulent inducement. Crane removed to federal court under the federal officer removal statute, and plaintiff moved to remand. The court denied this motion.
To remove under Section 1442(a)(1) the defendant must qualify as a “person” under the federal officer removal statute, must act under the direction of a federal officer at the time the defendant engaged in the allegedly tortious act, and must advance a “colorable federal defense.” Also, a causal connection must appear between …
Continue ReadingAffidavits Used in Other Cases Enough to Establish Removal Under Federal Officer Jurisdiction
The plaintiff brought a wrongful death lawsuit after her husband died of mesothelioma, alleging asbestos exposure during her husband’s service in the Navy. Originally filed in Madison County, Illinois, defendant Crane Co. removed on the basis of the federal officer removal statute. The plaintiff filed a motion to remand, arguing that Crane waived its right to remove by first filing a motion to dismiss in state court, and that Crane failed to establish federal subject matter jurisdiction. The court denied the plaintiff’s motion.
Regarding waiver …
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