Dow Chemical Corp. v. Blanco
67 A.3d 392
Del.2013Background
- Blanco, a Costa Rican laborer, worked 1979-1980 and allegedly exposed to DBCP pesticide.
- Blanco filed a Texas putative class action in 1993; proceedings delayed by procedural and Supreme Court developments.
- After class certification was denied, Blanco filed an individual action in Delaware asserting identical injury.
- Defendants moved to dismiss, citing 2-year Delaware statute of limitations; Blanco argued tolling from the Texas class action.
- Superior Court held Delaware recognizes cross-jurisdictional class action tolling; tolling continued until class certification denial.
- Defendants sought interlocutory review; the certified question was whether Delaware recognizes cross-jurisdictional tolling.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Does Delaware recognize cross-jurisdictional tolling? | Blanco asserts tolling applies across jurisdictions. | Defendants contend no cross-jurisdictional tolling should apply. | Yes; Delaware recognizes cross-jurisdictional tolling |
| Is tolling applicable while a putative class action is pending in foreign or domestic court? | Pending class actions toll the statute for individual claims. | Tolling should be limited to within a single jurisdiction. | Tolling applies across jurisdictions until class certification is denied |
Key Cases Cited
- American Pipe & Constr. Co. v. Utah, 414 U.S. 538 (Supreme Court, 1974) (class action tolling suspends limitations for class members)
- Crown, Cork & Seal Co. v. Parker, 462 U.S. 345 (Supreme Court, 1983) (extended American Pipe tolling to individual suits within same jurisdiction)
- Stevens v. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., 358 Mont. 474, 247 P.3d 244 (Montana, 2010) (recognition of cross-jurisdictional tolling in some states)
- Vaccariello v. Smith & Nephew Richards, Inc., 94 Ohio St.3d 380, 763 N.E.2d 160 (Ohio, 2002) (cross-jurisdictional tolling applied across federal-state action)
- Reid v. Spazio, 970 A.2d 176 (Del.2009) (Delaware saving-statute policy favors adjudicating merits; tolling considerations)
- Ison v. E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., 729 A.2d 832 (Del.1999) (Delaware permitting foreign actions; forum considerations)
- In re Asbestos Litig., 929 A.2d 373 (Del. Super. Ct., 2006) (Delaware forum decisions balancing access to justice)