Calif. Coordinating Judge Denies Motions for Summary Judgment

OAKLAND, Calif. - The California coordinating judge for welding fumes cases has denied plaintiff and defense motions for summary judgment in a case that is scheduled for trial on Dec. 1. Thomas v. A.O. Smith, et al., No. FCS-027382 (Calif. Super. Ct., Alameda Cty.).

Alameda County (Calif.) Superior Court Judge Bonnie Sabraw did agree to dismiss Elbert Thomas' negligence cause of action but denied defense motions for summary judgment on statute of limitations and product identification grounds and rejected Thomas' motion for summary adjudication on several affirmative defenses.

In ruling for Thomas on defendants' statute of limitations motion, Judge …