Judge Stays W.Va. Silica Cases Pending Further Action in Dual-Filed Ohio Cases

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A state court judge in West Virginia has stayed two silica lawsuits after defendants claimed that the cases, which are also filed by identical plaintiffs in Ohio state court, were improperly venued and barred by the statute of limitations. Koulianos, et ux. v. Best Sand Corporation, No. 04-C-327; Mastoris, et ux. v. Best Sand Corp., No. 04-C-326 (W.Va. Cir. Ct., Kanawha Cty.).

Judge Irene C. Berger issued the stay July 9 following a hearing in Kanawha County Circuit Court, according to sources. The stay will remain in effect for six months while the plaintiffs' cases proceed through …