Judge Denies Motion to Designate Silica Case as 'Complex'

SAN FRANCISCO - A California judge has denied an ex parte application by parties in a silica suit after they sought to have the case designated complex for purposes of discovery. Arbuckle, et al. v. Abrasives, Inc., et al., No. 03-427580 (Calif. Super. Ct., San Francisco Cty.).

According to court documents, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Richard A. Kramer denied the application April 13 after parties on both sides had moved for complex designation. Though the case will not be considered complex, Judge Kramer said certain Asbestos General Orders adopted by the court may be applicable to the case, which …