Defendants Challenge Silica Claims Consolidation, Admission of Texas Counsel

OAKLAND, Calif. - Parties in nearly three dozen silica personal injury suits filed last April in California are fighting over whether the cases should be consolidated for discovery and whether the Texas firm representing the plaintiffs can appear pro hac vice in all of the cases. Brown, et al. v. Lone Star Industries Inc., et al., No. RG-05-210447 (Calif. Super. Ct., Alameda Cty.).

In briefs filed late last month in Alameda County Superior Court, plaintiffs and defendants present differing views of the progress made so far in each case. According to the plaintiffs, consolidating the 34 cases is warranted because …