Judge Denies Motion to Stay Wisconsin Silica Proceedings

OSHKOSH, Wis. - A judge in Wisconsin has denied a motion to stay all silica proceedings in his jurisdiction while appeals courts weigh several issues pertaining to cases now before them. Alix, et al. v. Badger Mining Corp., et al., No. 99-CV-1029 (Wis. Cir. Ct., Winnebago Cty.).

Judge Bruce K. Schmidt refused to issue the stay Feb. 10 following a hearing in Winnebago County Circuit Court, where several foundry workers' claims for injuries resulting from exposure to silica dust are pending.

Currently, there are two subsets of cases before the court, one group whose claims are potentially time-barred under …