Judge Says Defense Objections were 'Groundless', Orders Sanctions

HOUSTON -- The judge overseeing the Texas asbestos docket entered sanctions against defense counsel for Alcoa on July 18, saying that objections made during discovery constituted harassment. Ross, et al. v. A.W. Chesterton, et al. No. 2004-37273 (Texas 11th Jud. Dist. Ct., Harris County).

A subsequent hearing relating to expert witness admissibility was scheduled to take place before Judge Mark Davidson of the 11th Judicial District Court for Harris County as well, but Alcoa reached a settlement agreement with plaintiff Tommy Ross just days after the sanction order was entered, sources told HarrisMartin.

According to Judge Davidson, Alcoa 'made what …