Minnesota News

A national effort by an $8 billion can manufacturer to shield itself from costly asbestos lawsuits has reached the Minnesota Legislature, triggering criticism from victims' advocates, who say the campaign puts a single corporation's interests over people who have been harmed by the deadly material.

Republicans in the Minnesota House pushed through a package of bills Wednesday to limit the costs of lawsuits, which they view as a necessity to make the state competitive but which opponents see as a barrier to justice.

On the last day of the 2011 regular session, the omnibus torts bill generated several hours of debate on the House floor before being tabled. It appears the bill will be the body’s first bill to be considered this session. However, most of its provisions have been eliminated.

A class action lawsuit filed by a West Virginia law firm will be remanded to a Minnesota state court.

A federal magistrate judge has suggested that a class action brought by a West Virginia law firm that drew the ire of the judge who formerly presided over the case should be heard in a state court.

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson criticized the mandatory arbitration industry Thursday in testimony before a U.S. Senate panel.

Two senators introduced a bill on Tuesday to prohibit wireless companies from having clauses in contracts that prohibit consumers from suing the companies because of hidden fees or other contract disputes.