Calif. Judge Says Caterpillar's Role Adequately Professed in Master Complaint

OAKLAND, Calif. - The California judge presiding over the state's coordinated welding fume litigation tentatively ordered, in part, on July 6 that Caterpillar can be held liable if it is found that the company played a significant role in suppressing valuable information about the dangers of welding rod fumes. Welding Product Cases. Proceeding No. 4368 (Calif. Super. Ct., Alameda Cty.).

Alameda Superior Court Judge Ronald M. Sabraw opined in the order that the master complaint correctly identifies the role of Caterpillar.

Caterpillar had filed a demurrer on May 9, claiming that it could not be held liable for mere participation …