Judge Enters CMO in Wisconsin Silica Litigation

OSHKOSH, Wis. - A judge has entered a case management order in Wisconsin, setting guidelines for how a 13-plaintiff silica case will proceed until the parties reconvene early next year. Allen, et al. v. Pfizer Inc., et al., No. 05CV1237 (Wis. Cir. Ct., Winnebago Cty.).

The CMO was filed Sept. 26 by Winnebago County Circuit Court Judge Thomas J. Gritton in a case brought earlier this year by foundry workers who allegedly developed silicosis and other silica-related injuries while wearing respiratory protection devices designed to prevent dust exposure.

Among the defendants are the manufacturers and suppliers of the respirators, and …