Plaintiffs Oppose Union Carbide's Motion for Consolidation

GALVESTON, Texas - Plaintiffs in the Texas asbestos litigation have opposed a motion filed by defendant Union Carbide to force statewide and regional consolidation of asbestos claims, saying the move is unnecessary in light of the state's efficient handling of the litigation. Union Carbide Corp. v. Adams, No. 03-0203 (JPML).

In a response filed recently with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, the plaintiffs contend that consolidating asbestos claims in Texas would serve no other purpose than to delay cases already making their way through the tort system.

'The ulterior motives behind Union Carbide's request are transparent and …