Defendants Seek Mistrial During 7th Day of Deliberations

CLEVELAND -- The defendants involved in the Welding Fume Products Liability Litigation MDL trial have filed a motion for a mistrial, claiming that the court has made ex parte contact with the jury, who has been unable to reach a verdict after seven days of deliberations. Tamraz, et al. v. Lincoln Electric, et al., No. 04-18948; In re: Welding Fume Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 1535 (N.D. Ohio.).

In the Dec. 3 motion, the defendants claim that the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio jury has had off-the-record contact with the court on two occasions.

The …