Judge Reserves Ruling on Motion to Consolidate Silica Cases for Trial

PHILADELPHIA - The judge overseeing numerous silica cases pending in Philadelphia will reserve ruling on whether those cases will be consolidated for trial, according to a decision released Aug. 5. In Re Silica Products Liability Litigation, March Term 2003, No. 0001 (Pa. Comm. Pls., Philadelphia Cty.).

Philadelphia County Common Pleas Court Judge Norman Ackerman said in the order that he will reserve decision on objections to the consolidation of plaintiffs' claims until discovery has been completed.

Groups of defendants had previously objected to the plaintiffs' request to consolidate the case for trial. In their opposition, they requested that separate trials …