Crane Co. Urges Phila. Court to Examine Reverse Bifurcation Procedure

PHILADELPHIA -- The practice of trying cases in Philadelphia County through reverse bifurcation has recently come under scrutiny, with one defendant citing it as grounds for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and a judge abandoning the procedure in three recent asbestos trials. Bell, et al. v. Crane Co., et al., November Term, 2008, No. 1975; Nelson, et al. v. Crane Co., et al., December Term, 2008, No. 1335 (Pa. Ct. Comm. Pls., Philadelphia Cty.).

In Crane Co.'s April 5 motion for post-trial relief, the defendant asserts a number of assignments of error, but specifically targets the decision by Judge Esther R. …