Judge Rejects Efforts to Expedite, Dismiss S.C. Man's Silica Case

PHILADELPHIA - A South Carolina man exposed to silica in New York will have his case heard in Pennsylvania, but won't receive an expedited trial setting as he had requested because of his failing health. Parker v. New Jersey Silica Sand Co., et al., No. March Term 2007, No. 00394 (Pa. Comm. Pls., Philadelphia Cty.).

In separate orders filed Sept. 24 and Oct. 5, Philadelphia County Common Pleas Court Judge Allan L. Tereshko rejected an effort by defendants to have Michael Parker's silica case dismissed based on forum non conveniens. The defendants had asked the court to rule on the …