Judge Stays Silica Proceedings Pending Decision on MDL

JACKSON, Miss. - A federal magistrate has granted a defense motion to stay several recently removed silica cases while the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) decides whether it will create a Silica docket. Prince, et al. v. Pearl River Sand & Gravel Co., Inc., et al., No. 03-160LN (S.D. Miss.). Baldwin, et al. v. Graco Enterprises, Inc., et al., No. 03-159LN (S.D. Miss.).

In an order issued June 5, U.S. Magistrate Judge Alfred G. Nicols Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi said that plaintiffs would not be prejudiced if the proceedings - including …