Case Set for April Trial in California is Withdrawn

OAKLAND, Calif. - A welding fumes case set to begin trial on April 7 has been voluntarily dismissed, according to sources, and the judge overseeing the coordinated welding products docket in California now says she expects the next trial to begin in September. Soto v. A.O. Smith, et al., No. RG06-272121 (Calif. Super. Ct., Alameda Cty.).

The Feb. 8 case management order removing the case from the trial calendar said only that the parties had reported that the Soto case was "resolved," and didn't address pending defense motions for dismissal (In re: Welding Products Cases, No. JCCP4368).

Defendants in …