Calif. Judge Denies Motion to Amend Answer without Prejudice

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The judge overseeing the welding fume coordinated docket in California has denied defense motions to amend their answers to several lawsuits without prejudice, citing procedural errors in the way the motions were filed. In re: Welding Products Cases, No. JCCP 4368 (Calif. Super. Ct., Alameda Cty.).

In a series of June 21 orders, Judge Bonnie Sabraw of the Alameda County Superior Court denied the motion of Thermadyne Industries Inc., Thermadyne Holdings Corp., Stoody Co., and Victor Equipment Co. to file amended answers.

Judge Sabraw noted that while there is a liberal policy about permitting leave to amend …