Ark. Federal Judge Refuses to Stagger Expert Disclosure Deadlines

TEXARKANA, Ark. -- A federal judge has denied a benzene defendant's request to order the plaintiffs to agree to a staggered schedule for expert disclosure, saying that the deadline for such disclosures remains at 90 days before trial. Russell, et al. v. Ashland Inc., et al., No. 04-4116 (W.D. Ark.).

In the Nov. 20 order, Judge Harry F. Barnes of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas denied the motion, saying that the trial is still scheduled for March 24, 2008, without the availability for continuance.

In the order, Judge Barnes did say that unless the parties …