Parties Dispute Relevancy of Alleged Drug Use Testimony

OAKLAND -- Defendants in a California welding fume case support their motion to compel testimony relating to a plaintiff's alleged illicit drug use by arguing that the plaintiff waived a right to protect such information when he filed the lawsuit. In re: Welding Products Cases, JCCP No. 004368 (Calif. Super. Ct., Alameda Cty).

In a Jan. 8 notice, Judge Bonnie Lewman Sabraw of the California Superior Court for Alameda County said she had taken the motion -- which seeks to compel testimony regarding drug use and participation in medical screenings -- under submission.

In a Dec. 20 opposition, plaintiffs Val …