State Court Judge Grants Motion to Sever Multi-Plaintiff Silica Case

PRYOR, Okla. - Nearly two years after hearing argument on whether 138 plaintiffs were improperly joined in a silica case, a state court judge in Oklahoma has granted a defense motion to sever the claims. Akins, et al. v. Airgas Safety, et al., No. CJ-2003-443 (Okla. Dist. Ct., Mayes Cty.).

Judge James D. Goodpaster of the Mayes County District Court issued his order Feb. 1, leaving intact only the claims of lead plaintiffs Richard and Barbara Akins. The remaining plaintiffs were 'dropped' from the suit without prejudice to refile their claims as separate, individual lawsuits, the order states.

Judge Goodpaster …