Without Explanation, Court Cancels MDL 1553-Like Daubert Hearing

CLEVELAND - A state court judge has abruptly cancelled a four-day Daubert hearing that was expected to assist the court in determining whether hundreds of asbestos cases pending in Ohio are supported by acceptable medical evidence. In re All Asbestos Cases, Special Docket No. 073958 (Ohio Comm. Pls., Cuyahoga Cty.).

Judge Harry A. Hanna of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas signed the order Jan. 6, canceling the hearing and setting aside an order that gave a green light to the evidentiary hearings slated to occur Jan. 12, 17, 18 and 19. No specific reason was given for the …