Opinion ID: 2186310
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: defendant hydron

Text: The defendant Hydron is before us on appeal of the order dismissing the action against ER & E and Rutgers. As previously mentioned, Hydron is a cross-claimant seeking contribution from the other defendants. On appeal Hydron argues that the Rhode Island court's exercise of jurisdiction over it violates due process. Furthermore, Hydron contends that it is proper for us to consider the trial justice's decision to exercise jurisdiction over Hydron because, although interlocutory in nature, the decision has an element of finality to it which violates Hydron's constitutional rights. Generally, we will not review interlocutory orders or decrees unless the case falls within one of two well-recognized exceptions: (1) appeal is allowed from an interlocutory order directing the sale of real or personal property and (2) the court will review an order or decree which, although in the strict sense interlocutory, possesses such an element of finality that action is called for before the case is finally terminated in order to prevent clearly imminent and irreparable harm. Town of Lincoln v. Cournoyer, 118 R.I. 644, 648, 375 A.2d 410, 412-13 (1977); G.L. 1956 (1985 Reenactment) § 9-24-7. We are not convinced that Hydron will suffer the clearly imminent and irreparable harm envisioned by the exception. For these reasons we find that Hydron's appeal of this issue is premature and is therefore dismissed. For the reasons stated, we vacate the trial court's dismissal of the action against ER & E and Rutgers and remand the case for an evidentiary hearing on the issue of minimum contacts. The appeal of defendant Hydron is before us prematurely and is therefore denied and dismissed.