MDL Judge Confirms Two Trial Settings for Upcoming Year

CLEVELAND -- The judge overseeing the Welding Rod Products Liability Litigation has confirmed three trial settings, two of which will take place in 2005, and the third in early 2006. In re: Welding Rod Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 1535 (N.D. Ohio).

In the Third Case Management Order filed Dec. 10, Judge Kathleen M. O'Malley ordered that the first trial in the MDL proceedings begin July 18.

The order designates Ruth v. Lincoln Electric as the first lawsuit to be heard before Judge O'Malley. In March 2004, Ruth was the first lawsuit to be remanded from the Welding Rod Products …