Illinois Plaintiffs Re-file Dismissed Lawsuits

CHICAGO -- Several Illinois plaintiffs have re-filed their welding rod lawsuits after they were dismissed by a state court judge who determined the plaintiffs could not assert causes of action solely grounded in the fact that defendants took part in trade associations. Carlin v. A.O. Smith Corp., et al., No. 03L 015592 (Ill. Cir. Ct., Cook Cty.).

The first amended complaints filed recently in the Cook County Circuit Courto allege that the defendants owed a duty to the plaintiffs to investigate health and safety matters relating to welding fumes exposure.

In an order signed Oct. 7, Cook County Judge Jennifer …