(January 5, 2016, 1:15 PM EST) -- BALTIMORE — The Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals recently received briefing on the proper standard for federal asbestos actions in Maryland and whether a case brought by the family of a welder meets it (Kevin Harper, et al. v. CBS Corp., et al., No. 14-2271, 4th Cir.).

(Response brief available. Document #01-160106-020B. Reply available. Document #01-160106-021B.)

In January 2011, Claude Harper filed suit in the Baltimore County Circuit Court against 48 companies whose conduct allegedly exposed him to asbestos.

The actions were removed to the...