January 6, 2008

Judge James T. Vaughn Jr. of Delaware Superior Court, described as the state's top judge, has appointed a panel to investigate business complaints of a flood of out-of-state asbestos claims into the state of Delaware. "James A. Wolfe, the state Chamber's president and chief executive officer, noted that there were 62 cases -- nearly all alleging exposure in Delaware -- on the court's docket in 2004. But between May 2005 and Sept. 30 of this year, 577 more cases were filed -- 445 by nonresidents who largely allege they were exposed to asbestos in another state." (Dec. 3 issue of Business Insurance, Dave Lenckus, no free link). Earlier coverage here. Chrysler's Steven Hantler also discussed the issue while guesting at Overlawyered last summer.