Court May Bifurcate Medical Issues if Diagnoses Seem Questionable

OAKLAND, Calif. - Silica cases in California may be bifurcated so that limited discovery can be conducted in cases where the court has determined there is 'serious doubt' about the plaintiff's diagnosis, according to an order issued recently. Brown v. Lone Star Industries, et al., No. RG05210447 (Calif. Super. Ct., Alameda Cty.).

Judge Robert B. Freedman of the Alameda County Superior Court said in a Case Management Order filed Dec. 21 that bifurcation of the medical issues would follow the receipt of amended disclosures from plaintiffs and any motions to compel additional information about the plaintiffs' silica-related diseases.

Should the …