One Judge to Oversee Discovery in Recently Filed Silica Suits

PRYOR, Okla. - More than 25 silica cases filed early this year in Oklahoma will be assigned to a single judge for discovery and pretrial proceedings, sources told HarrisMartin Publishing following a hearing on a defense motion to consolidate the cases. Akins v. Airgas Safety, et al., No. CJ-2003-443 (Okla. Dist. Ct., Mayes Cty.).

Three judges presiding over the cases in Mayes County District Court heard argument Aug. 22 and will now decide amongst themselves which one will ultimately take control of the coordinated docket, sources said.

Defendants moved for the consolidation in July, arguing that the 26 cases filed …