Plaintiffs, Defendants File Briefs in Appeal of Elam Verdict

MT. VERNON, Ill. -- The first welder in the nation to succeed with his welding rod fume injury claims has responded to defendants' opening brief in the appeal of the landmark $1 million verdict. Elam v. Lincoln Electric, et al., No. 5-04-0120 (Ill. App. Ct., 5th Dist.).

Plaintiff Lawrence Elam filed his brief recently in the Illinois 5th Circuit Appellate Court, responding to defendants' assertions that false testimony and inadmissible expert testimony are among the reasons the court should reverse the plaintiff verdict.

Defendants contend in their Aug. 16 brief that the trial court wrongfully excluded testimony that indicated …