Plaintiffs Support Master Complaint, Say Specifics Unnecessary

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Plaintiffs involved in the coordinated welding rod proceedings in California have opposed a demurrer filed by defendant Rankin Industries, arguing that the merits of the proposed master complaint can't be challenged until after discovery. Welding Products Cases, JCCP No. 4368 (Calif. Super. Ct., Alameda Cty.).

In a June 7 opposition filed in the Superior Court for Alameda County, the plaintiffs refute Rankin's contention that the complaints lack specificity and particularity.

'Contrary to Rankin's assertions, the Complaint does allege that plaintiffs were exposed to a specific toxin (manganese in welding fumes), that the sources of the welding fumes …