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  • CHARLES HUSBAND VS. ASBESTOS DEFENDANTS (B*P) AS REFLECTED ON EXHIBITS ASBESTOS document preview
  • CHARLES HUSBAND VS. ASBESTOS DEFENDANTS (B*P) AS REFLECTED ON EXHIBITS ASBESTOS document preview
  • CHARLES HUSBAND VS. ASBESTOS DEFENDANTS (B*P) AS REFLECTED ON EXHIBITS ASBESTOS document preview
  • CHARLES HUSBAND VS. ASBESTOS DEFENDANTS (B*P) AS REFLECTED ON EXHIBITS ASBESTOS document preview
  • CHARLES HUSBAND VS. ASBESTOS DEFENDANTS (B*P) AS REFLECTED ON EXHIBITS ASBESTOS document preview
  • CHARLES HUSBAND VS. ASBESTOS DEFENDANTS (B*P) AS REFLECTED ON EXHIBITS ASBESTOS document preview
  • CHARLES HUSBAND VS. ASBESTOS DEFENDANTS (B*P) AS REFLECTED ON EXHIBITS ASBESTOS document preview
  • CHARLES HUSBAND VS. ASBESTOS DEFENDANTS (B*P) AS REFLECTED ON EXHIBITS ASBESTOS document preview
						
                                

Preview

oe WN KD A ‘Oo 10 i 12 13 14 15 16 7 18 19 20 21 2 23 24 25 26 27 28 John R. Brydon [Bar No. 83365} George A. Otstott [Bar No. 184671] Thomas J. Moses [Bar No. 116002] BRYDON HUGO & PARKER 135 Main Street, Suite 2000 San Francisco, CA 94105 Telephone (415) 808-0300 Facsimile (415) 808-0333 Email: service@bhplaw.com Attorney for Defendant UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION ELECTRONICALLY FILED Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco MAR 02 2012 Clerk of the Court BY: JUDITH NUNEZ Deputy Clerk SUPERIOR COURT - STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO — UNLIMITED JURISDICTION IN RE: BRAYTON GROUP 581 AND 582 ROBERT A. LINDSEY, 5R., Plaintiff, vs. ASBESTOS DEFENDANTS (BP), Defendants. (ASBESTOS) Case No: CGC-10-275492 COMPENDIUM OF OUT-OF-STATE AND FEDERAL AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF OPPOSITION OF DEFENDANT UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION TO PLAINTIFES’ MOTION TO CONSOLIDATE THE REMAINING ASBESTOSIS CASES IN GROUPS 581 AND 582 FOR TRIAL (Part 2 of 2) [Filed Concurrently With Opposition; Declaration of Thomas J. Moses] Date: Time: Dept.: Judge: March 9, 2012 10:00 a.m. 608 Curtiss E.A. Karnow JAMES NASH, Plaintiff, vs. ASBESTOS DEFENDANTS (B“P), Defendants. (ASBESTOS) Case No. CGC-09-275414 -l- COMPENDIUM OF OUT-OF-STATE AND FEDERAL AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION'S OPPOSITION TO PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO CONSOLIDATE THE REMAINING ASBESTOSIS CASES IN GROUPS 581 AND 582 FOR TRIALEMILIO VALDIVIA, Plaintiff, vs. ASBESTOS DEFENDANTS (B#P), (ASBESTOS) Case No. CGC-09-275311 Defendants. (ASBESTOS) RONALD HEVENER, Case No. CGC-08-274851 Plaintiff, vs. ASBESTOS DEFENDANTS (B*P), Defendants. (ASBESTOS CHARLES HUSBAND, Case No. CGC-09-275098 Plaintiff, vs. ASBESTOS DEFENDANTS (B“P), Defendants. -2- COMPENDIUM OF OUT-OF-STATE AND FEDERAL AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION'S OPPOSITION TO PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO CONSOLIDATE THE REMAINING ASBESTOSIS CASES IN GROUPS 581 AND 582 FOR TRIALWestlaw. _ 203 BW.3dl 286 202 8.W.34 286 a Jn ro Shel] 04] Co, Tex.App.-deaumont,2006, Court of Apponls of Texas,Boaumont, Inte SHELL OTL CO., Shell Chemica! LP, United States Stee] Corp,, Amerieon Chemistry Council, Exxon Corp. ExxonMobil Cil Corp,, Movil Chem- ieal Co,, Ino,, Ethyl Corporation and Union Carblds Corporntion, No, 09-06-198 CV. Submitted on June 29, 2006, Delivered Sept, 14, 2006. Background: Former employers fled petition for writ of mandamus compalling tclet court to vanate its order to conpolidate occupational exposure claim of former eraployes and bjs wife and olaim of per sonal representative of estate of devensed former omployes, Wolding: The Court of Appeals held that consotid- ation of was not wareuted, Petitton conditionally printed. ‘Wost Headnotes [1] Mandamus 250 =4(1) 250 Mandamus 2501 Nature and Grounds in General 250k4 Remody by Appeal or Writ of Error 250k4(1) k, in General, Most Cited Gases Mandanius 250 €=228 250 Mandamus 2501 Subjects and Purposes of Relief 2501(A) Acts and Proceedings of Courts, Judges, and Fidicial Officers 250K28 k. Mattore of Disoretion, Most Cited Casas An appellete court may issue a writ of mandamus Page 2 of 8 Page 1 when the trial court has ebused ity discretion end the relator tacks an adequato remedy on appeal. [2] Mandamus 250 €928 250 Mandanus 25011 Subjeots and Purposes of Reliet’ 250U(A) Acts ond Proceedings of Costs, Judges, and Judiclal Offfeers 250K28 kk, Matters of Discretion, Most Clted Cases : A trial court has no discretion in determining. what the Jaw js or applying the law to the facts; thus, a cloar fatlure by the trial cowt ic analyze of apply the law correctly will sonstttute an abuse of disore- tion, and may reeutt in appellate reversal by: ex truordinery writ, [3] Mandamus 250 O=24(1) 250 Mandamus . 2501 Nature and Grounds {i Gsneral 250K4 Remedy by Appeal or Writ bf Exror 250}c4(1) k. In General, Most Cited Cases With respect to whotlier an appellate romody is ad- equate for purposes of determining whether manda mus relief js warrabted, “adequate” has no compre- honsive definition; it is simply a proxy for the care- ful balance of jurlspradential considerattons thst determine when sppellate coutts will use original mandamus proceedings to review the sctions of lower courts. . [4] Mandarus 280 ©=>1 250 Mandamus 2501 Nature and Grounds in General 250k1 k, Nature aid Scope of Remady in General. Most Cited Cases Mandamus review of iriel courts! incidental inter looutory rulings undoly interferes with trial court proovedings, diverts appsllate courts! attentlon to unknpoitant issues, and adds to the expense and delay of civil litigation; however, mandanms re view of significant ruliigs in exeeptional cases may @ 2008 Thomison Reutors/West, No Claim to Orlg, US Gov, Works, http:/web2, westlaw.comyprint/prinistream.aspx Tpift=HTMLBézdestination=atp ésv=Split... 1/7/2008202 8,W,3d 286° 202 S.W.3d 286 ‘be essential to preserve important substantive and procedural rights trom impairmont or loss, allow tho appeilate courts to give needed and helpful dir- ection to the Tew that would othorwise prove ely. sive in appeals fipm fine] judgmonts, and spare private parties and the public the time and money wtterly wasted enduring aventual reversal of im- properly conducted prossedings. [8] Mandamus 250 O574(4) 250 Mandamus 2501 Nature and Grounds in General 2504 Remedy by Appeal or Writ of vor "250k4(4) 1. Modification or Vaention of Indgment or Order, Mest Cited Casea Mandamus 280 €=032 ~ 250 Mandamus . ZSOIl Subjects and Purposes of Relief, 250LK(A) Acts and Proosedings of Courts, Judges, and Judicial Officers 250k32 Kk, Proceedings in Civit Actions ia Genera]. Mast Clied Cazes Becmise a consolidation order usually doos not threaten a defendant's substuntial rights, mandamus typically does not lie fro a trial court's consollda~ fion order; however, if an ordiuary appoul is inad- equate because extraordinary circumstances exist, mandamus relief may be appropriate, [6} Action 13 C=255 13 Action "1301 Joinder, Splitting, Consolidatlon, and Sev- eninge 13154 Consolidation of Actions 13k55 &, In General. Most Cited Cases ‘The express purpose of ihe rule allowing consolida- tion of certain aotions ls to further convenience and avold prejudice, and thua promote the ends of justices, Vernon's Ann.Texas Rules Ciy,Proc, Rule 174, [7] Action 13 €=757(5) Page 3 of § Pago 2 13 Astion ISI Joinder, Splitting, Consolidation, end Sey erance . 13k54 Consolidation of Actions 13k57 Actions Which Mey Be .Consolid- 13K57(5} k, Tort Actions, Most Cited Cases When considering plaintiffs’ motion to corieolidate sctions alleging occupational exposurs to toxing and careinogdns, come would consider the Mary- lend factors, including: (1) eoitimon worksite; (2) similar ovoupation; (3) shnilar time of axposure; (4) type of diseaso; (5) whether plaintiffs were living ov tleosased; (6) status of discovery in each oases ” whether plaintiffs were represented by tho amma aounsel; and (8) type of cancer alleged, [8] Action 13 C956 13 Action . 130 Toinder, Splitting, Consolidation, and Sev- ‘erence 12k54 Consolidation of Actions 1356 k, Power to Consolidata, Most Cited Cases Although ths trial conrt has broad discretion to eon- solidate cases, when all of the facts and oloum- stances of a case unquestionably xequire a separate inlal to prevent manifest injustios, and there ts no ‘Tact or circumstance eupporting or feuding to sup- port a contrary conclusion, and the legal rights of the parties will not be prefudiced. thereby, there is ho room Zor tho exercise of discretion, Vernon's Ann, Texas Rules Ciy.Proc,, Rule 174, [9] Mandamus 250 @4(4) 250 Mandamus 2501 Nature and Grounds in General 250k4 Remedy by Apporl or, Writ of Error 250k44) k, Modifention or Vacation of Judgment pr Order, Most Cited Cases Uf it appears that the injustloe resulting Som refusal to sever cases ormnot Inter be remedied on appeal, the action of tha court is subject to control by man- © 2008 Thomson Reuters/West, No Claim to Orig. US Goy, Works, hitp://veb2.westlay. cony/print/printstrearn aspx ?prfi“HTMLBsidestination-atpésv=Split, 10/7/2008202 S.W.3d 286 202 8.W.3d 286 durus, Vernon's Ann.Jexas Rules Civ.Proc,, Rule 174, [L0} Action 13 C=237(4) 13 Action ISIN Joinder, Splitting, Consolidation, and Sev erence 13k54 Consolidation of Actions 13k57 Actions Which May Be Consolid- ated 13k37(4) ik, Circimstencss Precluding Consolidation tn General; Prejudice, Most Cited Casag When considering motions to consolidats, courts must balance the judiciet sconomy and convendende that may be gained by consolidation against the possibility that consolidation may cause delay, pre Judice, or Jury confusion; tf the convenience factors are substantially outweighed by the risk of an unfair ontoome besause of prejudics ot gonfusion, then the trial court abusos its discretion, in granting con- solidation. [U1] Action 13 G57(4) 13 Action 1300 Joindar, Splitting, Consolidation, and Sev- erence i5kS4 Consolidation of Actions 13k57 Actions Which May Be Cousclid- ated 13k57(1) k, In General: Most Cited Casas When considering s motion to consolidate, the dominant consideration is whether the trial will he fair and impartial tp all partios, [12] Action 13 €=57(5) 13 Action 3151 Joinder, Splitting, Consolidation, and Sev- range 1354 Consolidation of Actions 13k57 Actions Which May Be Consolid- ated Page 4 of § Page 3 15KS7(5) k, Tort Actions, Most Cited Trlal courts should proceed with extreme cuution waen consolidating claims {nvolving immature torts; @ tort Is considered mature when thers has ‘been full end complete discovery, multiple Jury ver- dicts, aud 8 persistent vitality in the plaintifty con tentions, [13] Action 13 €287(5) 13 Action 137 Joinder, Splitting, Conselidation, and Sev erance . 13:54 Coasolidelion of Actions 13k57 Aotlons Which May Be Consolide ated . I3k57(S) k, Tort Actions. Most Cited Casea Consolidation of employee's claim of cocupetional exposure to toxins and carcinogens resulting in can- esr with claim by personal representative of de-~ ceasdd employes was not werrsnted, although the status of discovery and plaintifts! represontation by same counsel weighed in favor of consolidation; the employees were contractors who did not share a oormmon worksite for jrost of the time at issu, em- ployees did not share shnilar cocupstions at all ‘times during thelr careers, lengths of time of expos~ we differed, parties disputed whether employees suffered from same disease, aud fact that one bre ployee was in remission while other employae had dies weighed sgainst consolidation, [14] Action 13 C=57(4) 13 Action 1310 Joiner, Splitting, Consolidation, aid Seve eranes . 13k54 Consolidation of Actions I3K57 Actions Which May Be Consolide ated 13KS7(4) ke, Clroumatances Precluding Consolidation in General; Prejudice, Most Cited Cases Conaolidation of cages should dot be used if it will ©2008 Thomson Reutters/West, No Claim to Orig, US Gov, Works, hitp://web2. weatlaw.com/print/printstzeaus aspx’ prhHTMLE&-destination=atpaeveSplit.., 10/7/2008202 8.W3d 206 202 8.W.3d 286 untafrly affeot the outoome. *288 Stephen C. Dillard, loy Soloway, Brett J, Young, Fulbiight & Jaworski LLP, Tyoan Buthod, Baker Botta LLP, Reagan W. Simpson, King & Spalding LLP, Houston, for relators, Allen M, Stewart, Kevih D. McHargue, Denyse F, Clanay, Baron é& Budd, PC, Dallas, for real parties in Interest, Before McKEITHEN, ©. GAULTNEY and KREGER, Jf, OPINION PER CURIAM, . Relators Shell Ol] Co., Sheil Chemleal LP, United States Stoel Corporation, Ameripan Chemistry Council, Exxon Corporation, ExxonMobil O18 Cor poration, Mobil- Chemical Company, Inc., Bitty! Corporation, Union Carbide Corporation, and Radi- ator Specialty Company seck a writ of mandamus compelling the trial court to vacate its order consol idating two cases for trial, We conditionally grant mandamus relief. BACKGROUND Along with other plaintiffs, reel partios in interest Herbert W. Wilkinson, . Peggy §, Hebert (Wilkinson's, wife), and Maureen Ann Stubbs, indi- vidually and as Personal Reprosentative of the ‘Heirs and Estate of Ben Lowts Stubbs, Deceased, sued relators and other defendants, lu peragraph 23 of thelr live potition, real parties in interest contend that Ben L, Stubbs and Herbert W. Wilkinson con tracted cancer as a result of occupational exposuras ta “toxins qnd carcinogens, including, but not fm- fied to benzene, benzene|-Joontalning products, paints, coatings, thinners, solvents, naptha, tolene, xylene, styrene, butadiene; and butadione-contain- ing products ... designed, produesd, manufactured, proveased, used, maintained, sold, marketed, and/or distributed by defendants...” However, in sub- Page § of 8 Page 4 sequent parts of the petition, real parties in isterost confine their clairas to injurles renting trom ox- posure to benzene, beazens-containing products, and organte solvents. Real parties in interest assert optises of action for negligence, strict liability, brench of warrehty, misrepresentation, conspiracy, gross negligence, and concert of aation, Relators and other defendants filed a motlon to sever, and the tral vquct enterad an order severing the plaintiffs’ claims into separate lawauits, Real parties in interest subgequently fied a motion to consolidate, and the trial comt entered em order consolideting the Stubbs and Wilkinson claims for tial, Relators then filed this petition for wrjt of mandamus, AVAILABILITY OF MANDAMUS RELIEE (1][212} Am appellate court mey issue a writ of mundamus when the tial comt bey abused its dis- uretion and the relator lacks an adequate remedy Sn appeal, Walker v. Packer, 827 8.W2d 833, 83940 (Tex,1992), A trial court has no diveretion In de- jenmining*289 what the law 4s or aptbytog the law to the facls, Je, at 840, “Thus, a cloar fallnre by the tial court to analyze or apply the law correctly will " constiluly an ebuse of discretion, and may result in appellate reversal by extraordinary writ” Id With respeot to whether an appellate remedy Is adequate, “adequate” “has no comprehensive definitions itis simply « proxy for the carefid: balance of jurlépri- dential considerations that determine when appel» fate courts will use original mandamus proceedings fo reyigw the actions of lower courts.” Ja re Prudentlal ins, Co. of Am, 148 S.W.3d 124, 136 (Tex.2004), T4[5] Mandamus review of trial courts’ inoidental interlocutory rulings unduly interferes with drial court proceedings, diverts appellate courts’ atten- tion to unlmportant issues, and adds to the expense anc delay of civil litigation, - Jo, However, “[mJandanus review of signifleent rulings in ax ceptional cases tnay,be ossontilal to preserve import © 2008 Thomson Reutare/West. No Claim to Orig, US Gov, Works, hitpy/webz. westlaw.com/print/printstream.agpx?prft-HTMLRé:destinationatpé-sy=Split, 10/7/2008202 S.W.5d 286 202 S.W.3d 286 ant substantive and procedural rights from impair- ment or lesa, allow the appellate corts to give needed and helpful direction to the law thet would othenvise prove elusive in appeals itom final judg ments, and spare private parties and the public the time and money utterly wasted enduring eventual reversal of improperly conducted proceedings.” Jd, ‘The Supreme Court hes explained thet an appellate ramedy is adequate when the benefits to mandamus taview are outweighed by the detriments, Id Baw oause 4 consolidation order usually doas not threaten: ¢ defendant's substantial rights, mandamus, typically does not lie from a irfal court's consolida- ton order; however, if an ordinary appeal ja ina equate becsuss extraordinary circumstaoes exist, tnantdamas relief uiay be appropriate, dr ve Van Wa- ters & Rogers, ina, 145 8W3d 203, 211 (Tex.2004), THE CLAIMS Ani Stubbs's interrogatory responass indicate that from 1974 to 2001, Bea Stubbs worked as x con- tract employse Zor.numerous employers at yerious locutions, Stubbs's worksites insluded Exxon Plant in Baytown; Tenneca Plant in Pesadeng; Shell Oil Refinary In Deer Pari, Atlantis Richfiold in Hous- jon, Chamelview, and Pasadena; Global; Rohm & Haas in Deer Park; BP Amoco; Ethy! Plent; Chev- tou Plant; and Mabay Plant, Stubbs'a various trades inchided iron worker, equipment operator, pipait- ter, fab helper, boilermeker, and rigger. Stubbs was diagnosed with small cell lymphoma (also known as chronio lymphocyte loukemie), & type of non- Hodgkin's lymphoma, aud he died on December 8, 2005, at age 49. Wilkinson's answers to interrogeforles state that from 1971 te 1990, ke worked as 4 contract om- ployes for numerous smployers at various job sites, Wilkinson's worksites included Exxon Oil Refinery in Baytown, Ethyl Corp. in Pasadena, Shell Chem- ical in Doe Park, Monsanto Chemloat in Chocolate Bayon, Mérichetn Rofinery in Wivnle, Amerisen Hoist, Mobay/Bayer, Amoco Refinery in Toxas Page 6 of 8 Page 5 City, Union Carbide Chemical Plant in Texas City, Monsanto Cherntos) Plant in Texas City, Crown Petroleum Plant in Pasadena, Dixte Chemica) Plant in Bayport, Pak Tenk in Pasadena, Arco Company in Channelview, Lyondell Chemical in Chan- nelview; Goodyear in Pepadena, nnd Rohm & Hany in Deer Park, Wlikinson's trades included painter, Pipsfitter, und bollermeker, but the inujority of his employinent history conetsts of work ag a pipefitter and bollermaker, Acoording 1: Wilkinson, he was exposed to benzene by inhaling fimeés and via dermal absorption, Wilkinson was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymph- oma in 1986, However, in 1993, Wilkingon was diagnosed with large *290B-cell lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Wilkinson underwent ‘Treatment, aad fils disease has been in remission for ten years. Relators contend Wilkinson's disease is different from thet of Stubbs, bet reel parlos in in terest assert that both suffer from essentially the seme disease, . Relators contend that. Wilkinson and Stakbs “worked in many different units in separate and un- releted facilities, With maybe one exception, they never worked at the same faefllty at the same time,” Relators alvo assert that many of the facilit- Jes “ara enonnous, aud employ thousands of con- tractors on thousands of jobs in different parts of intekrated sites.” According t» 2 document pre- pared by velators, the indusiial hygiene export, hired by real parties in Interest alleged thet Stubbs was exposed to benzene at Lyondall end BP/ Amoco, but Wilkinson was not, and Wilkitson was exposed to benzene at Union Carbide, but Stubbs Was not"! Real parties in interest respond that both men “worked as bollermakers and pipefittdrs at the Exxon Baytown facility for inarly years in the 1970's and 1980's," Real partiog In Interest atate ‘that while at Exxon, both men worked in “several” units that contkined benzené, Rest parties also as~ sert that both Willdnson and Stubbd used a ben eeue-coptaihing product called Liquid Wrench while working at Baxon, Real parties in interest © 2008 Thomaon Reuters/West. No Claim to Orig, US Gov, Works, httpy//web2, westlaw.com/pri nt/printstream aspx ?prit~HTMLEé:destination~atp&sy=Split, . 10/7/2008202 8.W.3d 286 202 $.W.3d 286 farihor state that whilo working at the Shell refinery in Deer Park, Willsinson and Stubbs worked in units contuiting benzene, The response of real parties in interest ta the petition for writ of mandamus does not specify the precise locatlons, if any, at which Wilkinson and Stubs worked at the same time, FI, Stubbs hes non-suited Union Carbide, CONSOLIDATION [OUTHBISILIOILI 1] Rule 174 of tho Texas Rules of Civil Procedure provides as follows: () Consolidation. When actions involying ¢ com- aion question of lew or fhot are pending before the ‘court, [t may order a joint hearing or trial of any or all the matters in issue in the actions; it may order all the uctions consolidated; and it may muke such orders concerning proceedings therein as may fend fo avold wunecessary costs or delay, TEXR. CLV. B, 174(a), Although TEXLR. CIV, P, 174 gives the trial court broad diseretfon to sonsol- idate cases, the trial couri's discretion 1s not untim- ited, Womack v. Berry, 158 Tex, 44, 291 S.W.2d 677, 683'(1956). ‘The express purposo of the rule is to farther eon- ‘yenienve and avoid prejudice, and thus promote the ends of justice, When all of the facts and ciroums sinnees of fhe case unquestionably require a separ ate trial 10 prevent manifest injustice, and there is no tact or eireumstancs supporling or tending to support a contrary concluslon, and the legal rights of the parties will not ba projudiced thereby, thers js'no room for the exercise of discretion... If It also ears that the injustice resulting from such refis- a anat later be remedied ov appeal, the action of the court is subject to control by mandaraus, fd, Courts must bulanee the Judlsiat economy and convenjouce that may be gained by consolidation against the poselbility that consolidation may cause delay, prepudies, or jury confusion, Dal-Briar Corp, vy Baskette, 833 $.W.2d $12, 615 (Tex.AppeBt Page 7 of 8 Page 6 Paso 1992, no writ), “IF the convenience frotory are substantially outweighed by the risk of an unfair outcome because of prejudice cr confusion, then the tial court™ abuses Its discretion jn braming con- solidaiton,” fd. at 616. The dominent coneldera~ tlon is whether the trial will bs fair and impartia! *29% t0 all partles, dn va Ethyl Corp, 975 S.W.2d 506, 614-15 (Tex, 1998). In Gity, the Supreme Court adopted the Maryland factors to aid courte In determining whether consolidation of claims ix likely to prejudice Gr confuse the jury. 7d at 614, The Maryland fhetors include: “(1) common watks- ite; (2) similar occupation; (3) similar time of ex- posure; (4) type of disease; (5) whether plaintiffs wore living or deceased; (6) status of discovery in sagh cage; (7) whether all plaintiffs wers represen- ted by the seme counsel; and (8) type of cancor al- * legad." Id at 611. ‘The Supreme Court cautioned thet there is no mathemetical formula for deterthin« ing the number of claims that may be properly con- golldated, and some of the Maryland factors should be given more weight than others, fd. , [12] In addition to the Maryland factors, tial couris should consider the maturity of the alleged tott, Jy ra Van Waters & Rogers, Inc, 145 8:W3d 203, 208 (Tex.2004). A tort is considered mature when there has been full and complete digeovery, mul- tiple jury verdicis, and 8 persisieut vitality in the plaintiffs’ contentions, -id ‘Trik] gourts should “proceed with sxtreme caution” when oohsolidating claims (nyelving immaiure torts, fre Bristal-Ah- ers Squibb Co, 975 8,W.2d 601, 603 (Tex.1998), [13] The first Maryland factor, common worksite, weighs sgainst consolidation because Wilkinson and Stubbs worked Jargely at different sites and nuultiple worksites are at issue, See Lthpi, 975 S.W2d at 615. Furthermore, because ‘Willktnson and Ginkbs were Goth employed by Independent gontractors, the necessary factual inquiries becoms more complex. See i The second fiotor, similar opcupations, likewise favors separate wlals. Both Wilkinson and Stubbs: worked as a plpofitter and botlermaker, However,. Stubbs also worked as an © 2008 Thomson Reutors/West, No Claim to Orig, US Gov, Works. hitp://web2, westlaw.com/print/printstream,aspx?orft=HIMLE&destinati jonmatpaesveSplit,,. 10/7/2008202. 8,W,3d 286 202 8.W.3d 286 tron worker, eqnipurent operator, fab helper, and rigger. Stubbe worked for approximately twenty-sev- en years, whtle Wildason worked for nineteen years, Furthermore, the record contulns eviderics that the benzene exposure levels of Willdinson and Stubbs differed, Real parties in interest contend Wilkinson and Stubhs suffered from tha same disease; howaver, reletors contend ‘Wilkinson suffered from Hodglcin's lymphoma. rather than non-Hodgldn’s Jymphoma, While we exprass no opinion about the inedleal evidence, we find that the existence of a dispute re- garding whether real parties in interost had the * same type of canoer weighs against consolidating the claims, See generally Ethyl, 975 S.W2d at 616. Additionally, Wilkinson js alive and his dis- case bas been in remission’for ten years, but Stubbs is deceased, Ags the Supreme Court noted “in Ethyl,"Jsjoms courts have expressed concam that permittig the consolidation of cl#ims by living workers with olaims of the families of deceused workers would unduly prejudice the trial because - thers is a dengor thet the claims regarding deceased workers or thoue who have life-epding disenses will ‘boot-strap the claims of workars who do not have fatal conditions[,J” See id The Ethyl oourt alsa pointed out that this concern has “oonsiderable forse” when the types of discases suffered by the workers yery and it fs disputed whethar thdse dis- eases will result in death. See fd Therefore, we conolnde this factor weighs against consolidetion, The remaining Maryland ‘factors (status of discov ery and whether sams counsel represents both plaintiffs) are undisputed and favor consolidation, Sae id. Howayer, there fzotors receive muvh lesz weight than the others. See id? Van Waters, 145 S.W.3d ab 211, Considering the dispute over ceusa~ tion and the level of development of this litizatlon, *29% the ttial court wes roguired te procead with extems cation when considering consol{dation, Compare Etiy!, 975 8,W.2d at 610 (asbestos litiga- tion), CONCLUSION Page 8 of B Page 7 [14] In tis case, the medical evidence is disputed, In addition, Wilkinsoh and Stubbs have fairly di- . verse work histories, Stubb's work history is signi- Gierntly longor than Wilkinon’s, knd Stubbs's es- ‘mated exposure to benzene js greater than Wilicin- sous, Furthertacre, Wilkinson's disease ha been in remigsion for ten years, but Stubs is decdased. ‘Mout of the Maryland factors weigh against consol idation, and the two faotors thet favor consolidallon yaoslve Jess weight than the others, Ethyl, 975 S.Wi2d at 616, Van Waters, 145 S.W3d el QU. ‘The dominant consideration must be whetller a gon solidated tral will be fair and impartial to all parties, See ity, 975 8.W.2d et 914-15, Consol idetion should not be used if it will unfairly affect the outcome, §ee generally Dal-Briar Corp, 833 8.W.2d at 616, Woe concludes tho trial court abused its discretion by cohsolidating the oases for tel, . aad relators lack en adequate appellate remedy, Sae generally Van Waters, 145 S&,W3d at 211 (Mandamus reliof wss appropriate because an ap~ pellate court deuld not remedy the likely juror con- fusion resulting from a consolidated trial, and any advantage gaiued in judicial economy or avoidance ‘of repetitive costs was “overwhelmed by the grodter danger an unfalr trial would pose fo the integrity of the judicial procoss,”), ‘The petition for writ of mandamus is corilitionally granted. The writ will issus only if the trigl court ~ doea not vacate its consolidation order in accord ance with this opinion, PETITION FOR, WRIT OF MANDAMUS CONDI- TIONALLY GRANTED, Tex. App,-Beaumont,2006, Jn re Shall] Of1 Co, 202 8.W,3d 286 END OF DOCUMENT © 2008 Thomson Reuters/West. No Claim to Orig, US Gov. Works. hitp://web2, westlaw.com/print/priatsiream aspx 7prft-HTMLBadestination=atpécsv=Spit,. 10/7/2008salt Westlaw. 145 5.91 203 145 8 38203, 47 Tox, Sup. Ch FH > Suprema Court of Teitis, Ine, YAN WATING & ROGERS, INC,, Ralater, ‘Noy O30777, Bopi, 9, 2004, Fnokgrownd; Plant omployeys wsousht soxletert aation against multiple ohemleal minmefactgrers, marketers, sellers, end dloiributors, The 370% Jud olal Dlatelot Court, Hidalgo County, Nos Gonzulez, J, denied defendants' moilon fo soopal, pmnied omployaed motion to soloof trint plaintiffs, and abated discovery ao bo nonirial plalntidi, Hmploy- aes sought mandamis reliet Allg’ the Corpus Chiistl Court of Appouls denied relief withow opin, | Jon, the Supreme Court, 988 8.20 740, donled rev Hof without prajtidiee, After trlal court dented omi= ployovs! motion for reponslderallen, ginployads + pought mondarns relict The Corpus Christ Court of Apponls, 31 ScW.9d 413, granted partial yeltaf, Bonployens sought fadher mandamus relies The Supreme Court, 62 8,W.ad 197, conditionally gran- wt ‘wit, The Distrlot Cont then ordered corsolida~ tion of byenty omployess’ elulms pgwinat nine dlo~ fendonis, Defendants unsuccessfully yeqeestod ro fo? trom: the Corpus, Chrlett Court of Appaals. They shan pottilonad tor yrlt of manda, Holdingos Tho Supreme Court held thats 1) voneolidation was ‘myroper, and mandamus relief wie warranted by oxtesordbns ary viraumatennes, ‘Welt vonditionslly gremted, ‘West Heacnotor + [A] Aption 13 G87) 15 Action VBIE Joindor, Eplitiing, Consolidation, and Sav ormsios ‘J5k54 Consglidatton of Actions Page 2 of 11 Page 1 Y9kS7 Action Which May Bo Coneofid- TARS7CT) Ky Tn Geass), Meat Cited Crate . ‘Tha dominant consideration in every ogee jor de- termining whethor various cletmg are appropriate fer consolidation fs winsther the telat whl bo ioir and imperial 40 olf pavtleg, 12} Action 13 Gare7 (4) 13 Agtion . TIT Ioindex, Bpiliting, Consolidation, and Sey oranss : . 13k34 Consolidetion of Aotions V8kS7 Actions ‘Which May By Comnolic JakS7a) k, Girciuataagea Proskeding onan fn Gonerul; Prejudice, Most Cited - a Consolidation should be ayoidad Hf ty would onnee aunfyalon or prejudioe na to renter the jury inoape, nbls of finding the faops on the basi of the evid= NOR. JS] Trial $83 @3(2) Sea Trial . a" Wotiog of Trial and Pralkainmy Provesd- ngs . ‘3R8k9 Separate Trlels In Game Gaus : BG8K3(2) I, Dinoretion of Cour, Mest Cited Coock . ‘Wap injustlon wil resule from consolidated telola, a + tral eoart had no divsration to dony eepatato trials, [a] Avilon 13 G=E7(8) , 43 Actlon JAIL dolider, Spiltilsg, Consolideilon, md Boy grange . 1akd4 Consolidation of Actiona 12k57 Actloas Which May Bt 'Consolid- 1SteHG) x SHELA clon MAE CHAE ©2008 Thomuon Revtera/West, No Clalm ta ‘Orig, US Gov, Works, bitpul web? wweullaw.com/printfprintatioan naps tay Sphh pri L IML Eset topdert=, 1O/2/2008 : i t | |145 8, Y/.ad 205 145 G.W.2d 203, 47 Tox, Sup, Of F172 Cases "The Sallowing facto eid delamination whather * songolldailon is approprlata tn a mays tort oag6 ale Taging otposure in a workplocer ) whether the plaintiet sharett a common work site, (2) whether Sho plabitlfiy shored sbnilar oocnpnilonsy (2) wheth- or tho plalntifts bad similiar times oF oxprsnre; ® whether the pleinilifs nye 9 atmilar type oP dla owso} (8) Whethor plinif ars sliye op dacsasad; (G) the blahus of dlacaveryy (7) whethor afl plninttiit era roprouonitadd by the samo oounndl; (8) fie typo ot gamoer allogwd, IF ay; and (9) the type of produots jo Wiilols the pletntiite were exposed, + [5] Aciton 13 CoerTE) 13 Action : ANU Joluder, Splitting, Consilidutlon, and Bay- arenas . my 19k54 Consolidation of Aotians: 4 T9kS7 Aullony Whick Mey Be Conaolide stan + 1355703) Kk. "Tort Actions, Most Clted Caves . Ag the munber of Zaotors that diffiyent owes, have jn oormmon Increaves, fie numbor of elroy that can * ‘bo sonsulteated and irled tugether may increase fn # ranay tor vase alleging expnears Ina worlgplacs; but thers Jo uo mathemafionl formula, and some ‘iaotors shed ba given more welght then cthsrs, [6] Avtion 13 @==787(6) 13 Aotion TSI Joindey, Splitting, Conwelidation, ond Soy erates 19154 Conaolidation of Autions 78kS7 Avilona Which May Bo Conactld- 1SK57(5) Ie Tort Actions, Mast Cited Caen Ths meximim umber of claims thes ows be age gropated |y not mn absoftts, and the articular oft eutatenoes dotermins fie outer Iinits beyond swhioh trial courts aanngt go in consolidating olsims In a mbei tort case alleging expose fn a Worle Bago d of 11 Faga a laos. [7] Antiog 13 73718) 13 Action (S11 Joiner, Bpliting, Consolidation, and Sav ‘eranoo {3ie84 Consolidation of Aotlons 1987 Astlons Which May Bs Conanlld- I9s7(3) ke, Tort Antions, Moat Oltad ‘Cason A tial coart dsoling whethor fo oonsolideto olaims 1) a maga tort couse eileging exponue in x workplaog tnst welgi the ye of proludice or conthaion agatiat enonamny of sore, (8) Action 13 OF=S70Q 15 Avtion {STIL Joladei, Splliting, Consulidation, and Sov. ‘branos 13154 Conpolidetlon of Aations 18457 Aotlone Which Mey Be Consolid- TEKST) Kk. Chronmstgnoea Preolndlng, Gansolldstion in Goneral; Frojudice, Most Glted tod 8 Consolidation ts not made agrepet tayraly by some factors Indioailng dissinilerttes within ths soneolidatyd olabois; vether, it is vital thet 6 party seoldng rslie? dom a consolidation order establish how the differences among tho oonsolideied chats will inpterially nffeot the Thiroas of a trial, iP) Avtion 13 C3715) 13 Avtloy . , 1301 Jolodar, Splitting, Consolidation, und Boy aTanos T3k84 Conaoitdattan cf Actions ‘igkS7 Actons Whlsh May Be Conctiid- TIKES) ks, Tort Avtiona, Must Clted Cevoa , "The mioturlty of tho alleged tort is a consideration het * 2008 Thorneon Routan West, lo Chim to Org, US Gov, Works, niips//vreb2. qveetlaw oom/prlnt/peintstream aspx tive Spli Sept ET MAL Bécfin topéca=.. 10/20/2008145 8, Wide 208 , 148 B.W.3d 208, Af Tox, Sap, Ch J, 1172 for detanalning, whether fo sonsolldats claims ta a mags fort gaie alleging qxposare joa worlrplage, {LOY Astion 13 Gme75) 13 Action Action YON Toindor, Splitting, Consolidation, and Sov aio8 : ‘T8k34 Consolidation of Aations ” ysk57 Aotions Which Mey Bo Goneolil- TSKS7C) by Tort Avttons, Most Cited Canes Ae a consideration for determining whether to con solidete claims in a rasa tort onno wlloging expos ro fr a worlplaoy, 6 tort fs mative only whon thors has beor fill and somplote disoovery, Tuttle ary yordinty, and 8 persietant vitwiity in tho piabniiéfe sonientlons, TEL Action 13 Gae57(5) + 12 Agtion SIL Jolndor, Splitting, Cuavolldaton, wad Boy ated Tanne +5kS¢- Consolidation viAsHane wee 13k57 Avion Which May Bo Consolid- 1313703) ky Tort Action. Meat Chted Cho Alieged tart baeod om workplags expoomre to “oxte soup” of ohemicele yqwe was immahee, and, thea, « fie Inlad vourt havl !925 dleasetion to consolidate erin ployees! dzaimfier obibiw egainet mamfyotarers ang sollers and nevdsd to proczed with oxtrune gautten, fiz} Action 13 C576) 13 Aston 1ST Jofnder, Spiiting, Cenwelidation, and Bay range {3154 Consolidation of Actions yak37 Aotions Whish May Be Congolté- uted . yausi(s) ke, Tort Actions, Mest Clied Page 4 of 11 Page 3 Caves Conuolidpting vinimy of twenty former empleyess alleging workplava sepomure {0 vombinavion of chemicals mamafnovwed or cold by nino defendania was improper in waned fort onge; tho facility oun fsined multiple work sltes emposing diffrent gm- ployees to diferent mixtures, the employees had Sisghnilor cesupatlons ahd began worl during, rango of ihirtoon years, and they allegbd mops then Hiysfive physlonl alindnte and did not olaum (hat he diffarent injures atenmed from the sews sows, And, thus, establishing a defondont'a Unbil- Ry bared on one plalntiff'y ogpmsure to a ental shamlon! combination would not ald in eonbllshing a diferent dofandant'y [ability for another plelaiiifa exposure ta ri entirely differont mbchere vf chemiorls, bu: would anly serve to profidlos and gonfuye jury, [83] Mandamps 280 God (1) 230 Mandamas ‘2501 Nainra snd Grounda in General 250k4 Remady fy Appsal or Wilt of Error 2BUKACL) ky in Gonaru, Mest Cited Oqgen ‘Absout oxtraordinary olronmeatenoes, mindambe Swill not Issue unless dolondacta Teck mf adequate eppelinte remudy, [ea] Mandamus 239 Ge7eACY) 250 Maniacs 2807 Nature and Urpinde Ip Gonerrt 250kd Reinedy by Appeal or Writ of Urrar 250KAC%) k,n General, Mast Citud Causa An appos) Iv Inadequate Tor mandamea purposos syhen parties aro hi danger of pommently losing substamfiel rightay such a danger arlsos whet fhe - yallate court would not bs able to cura the error, thy yparty'a ablifty to present e viable wala oy defense fa yidetod, or tie error cannot be made part of the wp pollate revord,, {18} Mandamus 250 C-74(8) 280 Mandamus * ©2008 Thomsen Router Woot, No Claim to Orig, US Gry, ‘Works, sto esti co ptpinsonns apieeSpitaeptXTM. Bair tony 10/20/2008145 BAW.dd 203 45 BAVAG 203, 47 Tox, Sup, Ct J. 1172 2501 Neture and Groviida in General 250k4 Remody by Appasl or Writ af Biror Ba0KK3) I Motiona and Ordora In Gener- ei}, Most Cited Gasoa Moaniamuy 250 O82 250 Mardemg 28001 Subjedta and Purpose of Reliet ASOKA) Acty and Frossedings cf Coutts, Judges, and Judicial Officora 259132 ke, Procaodings tn Clvit Avtiona Ja Gonpral, Moet Clied Gases Boones most consolidation orders do wot.threaten a dofvadants mubstentlal rights, mandenns typloally doos not ie from a win! opus consolidation order, ‘ont Hf extraordinary cloumsimoss ara present; that make an ordlnary eppedt Inadequate, mandianws re Net may bs warranted. [RG] Manstaerg 250 Gar53 : 250 Megaman 2501 Subjects and Purpoasa of Reliad Q50iI(A} ‘Aes md Frocsedings of Couris, Jndges, and Judiclat Offiaors . . 250K32 k, Froveedingy In Civ!l Aotions in Generel, Mont Cited Cape Batraordinory obwametanocs wetted mandamus relief? fom sonyolidation of olaimn by iwanty former omploysan alleging workplace pxpowure $0 shomlodly mamtfactured ov sold by nine dofendantes eivon the toidily veralated olnima of laintis axe posud ty gniirely diticrent shernisals prodivsd by ‘Aifferont defendants, conplidetion sisked the jury finding against 8 defendant based on ahoey mo bard, on ovidense tegetding a difforant plaintif® or ont of retatance to find against a defondant wlth regerd to pie plsinlif and not another, and an mp pollate court oould wat remedy the Wkaly jusor obiw tusion, 1208 Lansford ©, Irexon, Ghia Lucero Miller, recon & Wola), P.O, Karen %. Muston, Belen & Bote, LB. Houston, Béuerdo &, Resrfgues, Raddgnaz, Colvin, Chancy & Smeg, LiPy Page $ of 11 Pogo Browhvvilie, James f, Moore, Baler & Hometlor; LLP, Howaton, 8, James Rausoh, Rausch Law Of Sve, Graubury, James 8, Gnlbrnith, MoLeod Alex midor Powel & Apifel, BC, Gulypeton, W. Wendell Hell, Robsrt G. Nowman, Fulbright & Ja- world JuLPy San Antonla, Bradley A, Saok2on, Bat L, Roynnlde, Royston Rayzor Viokoy & Wil ams, LLP, Honsfon, Willan Ay Abernathy, Meredith Donel) & Abemotiy, PC, Cork Chalet, Adrian Teafeet Marthnsz, Mezedith Dounell & Abemethy, 7,G,, MeAllen, Miller Marsdtth, Coy: pu Gholi, Amulio M, Avdats, Lan Olive of Amulfo Avosta, *206 Phary, Arthar R. Aloiquist, Mchatly & Wobor, PC, Houston, Key Andrews, Brow) MeCeroll, LLP, Austin, Rebar: Valadez, Shelton & Valdez, P.C., Sen Antonla, 0, Don Sohanor, Scluner & Simanlk, B.C, Corpus Chilath Michnal Mi. Gibeun, Baylco Glbyou Camegie Fiygen Shuoninakor & Moysr LLP, Houston, TX, far ofner ‘Sitorauted parties. , Josoph A, Grint, Sheehy Supe & Ware, Ply Houston, Masoy Ji, Greer, Tulbrigkt & Jayorais Telit, Norton A, Colvin Jr, Raodrlgnes Colvin, Chanay & Bans, LLP, Brownsville, and Andrew ©, Schirmatekor 11, Sohirmelster Ajdmls, LLP, wally Dick Brown, Crain Caton & James, ahd Rolert B, Mores 1, Crain Caton & domes, PCy Robert Scott, Abrams Boott & Brivkléy, LLP, * Howton, Lea Ann Sib, Robert G, Rowman, Rosemarie Kanuaky, Fulbright & Jaworski LL.B, Ban Antonio, TS, for Rulator, Frawiveo J, Rodriguez, Rodriguez Tovar & De Loi Santos, LLP, Xeiih oh, Livesay, Livy Law OF fon, ModJien, ‘TX, for Respondent, PER CURIAM, "Tas loses in this mundus procesdiig ls whother tho tin} opurt erroneously senmolidated for trial the workplee joxle tort olalme of twonty plalntiffe against nine defendants, Becsuse we hold thet the tela} court abused Its discretion and the defendants jive tio adaquule xamedy by apposl, We voniithons ally grant mandermna rellaf, ‘The underlylig igetlon was filed bn ‘Yoa4 by 434 © 208 Thomson Reutora/ Went, No Cluttn to Orig. US Gove ‘Works. tilpy/vsb2.wortay,oomn/ ln gdntetroam aspx taySp lie ATM Basten, jopaeral= I. 10/20/2008145 B.W.3d 208 145 B.Wd 208, 47 Tex, Bmp, Ch J, L272 Plaintit’s agalnet approrlmetsly fifty-five detent ants, The plolyitis ars former employees of the Porker-Hannifin. Corporation wha worked nt Parl+ + gts Orring real menetavturing plant ir MoAllsa, ‘Texas, The plnintits, all roprvented by the pame coumsyl, allege Injuries oausod Ly Workplave papas pra to a combination of chomionls and produote-to- whieh thay refer to as 8 “fosig soup." Pinhitifis sl loge ‘tnt fhe chosloele yore made or supplied to the plait by the defendants, The, trial court consol {dated the claime of twonty of the pants nd get foo alains for: teal, Nine defndonts neste volte? ‘from the opnaolidition order, Bech of tho plaintiffs bi the twenty consolldnted panes way amployad ut the MoAtlen plent whan St closed tis dopra irr 2992, but the plilntifin’ tars defen at tho plant range from 1975 {9 1988, "The qworty plaintliis held p combined thisly-live clffore ent joby during (holr tenures at the plant, end moet of the Joba ware shared by only w few plaintiffs, No Fingle job was hetd by oil Sventy pientiifs. The ParkerHaaniin feallity wae eluo gorge of ov: eval buildings, and workers wilh different jobs worked In different arosa of thy plant Umployeos sware ofton segregated irom ciber erows, md - fio plant had umultiple ay oondivioning systorio and dayndirs®t tahlas that Hmited chemical exposure to partonlar arena, The twenty plabntfis allege wn age iogals of more then Filysive injurlew or aymp+ fom, many of whigh pre not shared, but tho mot common belog headaches, oye iitatlon, nage trite» + fiom, skin icritaiion, mid throat irrfuation, plained —thet—the.uleL_comrt whould oonsidar fie ‘This is the Usted petition for writ of mantigava we have ponnidsred in this pnae, In 1997, the Slat const frsuet) tires arcere: 4 vowdolidating twenty plaintiffs foy trlaly 2) limiting, the defendants’ dis» dovery tp ious twenty plalntifis and abating ell dla» oovery for tho romalniag 434 plolnltits, amd 3) conylng the dovandantet vequest to compel om amy gyor to on Intorrogatory fiat would line revered all phystolane wha Minkod gy of the plalutilis) in Jnclgn to expose to the defendants! produota. ‘Tho dofondawis sought mandamve relist regarding enh Page 6 of 11 Page 5 of the three ordera, Wis dented all relief without prajudice to give fhe tris) cours aa oppirtunliy to renonuider *207 the Cigcoyery pbutamint order in light of la ry Cafanial Pinaitie Co," whigh wes Ismuad ‘While the petlon wes ponding? Wo alee auggewied that the tial court rovonsiéor the Inter rogatory arday shoukl it detemmipo that dlucavery shouki wot be ubyted™ We dle not address the ponsotldation Jeows ab sat tin, . EN, 968 B.W.dd 938 (Tex.19h4), FN, Jira Fon Wetors & Reger, fita,, au aves 740, TAL (Ten1898) (Mea Wee ors), RNG, fd. + ‘The doferidants asked the trial court to revoneicler ihe preylow! orders in Wghi of Jn ra Colonlal Pipeline Co, Ader almout a yonr, the bist yourt fied act ried on the motion, but had allowed plalnttfint pommel to subsalt a different group of plalalltis tor lsl, The defordants azain aon and yolief, alleging inmfflcient discovery nnd improper con= sulidetion, ‘The court vf eppowls granted pertial ros ‘Hof ag to the defendsnta’ request fet plaintiffs eup- loment thelr answers 1D the Interrogetury sonoem~ thelr physicians! "Tis Courk granted furs ther rele? by dirsoting the inet vourt to vavate Tt orders thot’ abated diseovery and ellowed the plaintitis: to selogt the olalia to bo, tind) Fret ‘With regaid fo ths consolldailoh fosne, we oH otra ostdallehed In fy re Etkyt Comm ¥® ond fir pe Bristol-Myors Sguith,™ and oowid do 20 only iler adaquate Miscuvory wes connpheted PNA, Jn eo Yon Wade & Rogers, Ina, 31 SWS 413, 421 (TomAppeGerona Chrtatl "9000, orig, pravawding), TS, In ve Van Waters & Rogers, Ino, 92 ne 181, BOT (Pox. 2001) (Faq Waters + FANG, B75 B/WF2d 606; 61] (Tex. 1395), ©2008 Thonison Rovters/ West, No Gini ta Orlg, UB Gov. Werke, itp feeb, west oom/printprintstonra. agpatey~Bpltdepr eT MLB acd. : topdermb™|. jova0/2008148 B,Y.3d 202 AS SAV 3d 208, 47 Tox, Sup, Ch 1, 1172 FAT, 975 S.Wold 601, 608 (Tat, 1993), NG, Peo Were JG, 62 Bat 203, Plaindflh subuequently mover! to oonsaldate tor th al the original fventy plalotifis from the first man- darnis, A aixteenspage ohert of fle plaintiffs and thelr Joh hisioviss and symptoms wes mbrottied tn support of the maton, Tho defmndarts objaoted to tha nominated gaoup of plaintiffs, erguing that only one plaintiff! should be fred et w time, The flat court granted the plakife! motion ant teeved the ourent oonaclidation order, stating that the court wen “of the oplnton the titel Plaintiffs .. {movi] the oriterta emunolated. by the Supreme Court” and should be sonsolidoted for tral, Tho dofendants tz qesied relief from the ocurt oF mppenls, which wea denied In 9 atiort poy.vurlama oplalon, . TUZIB] in determining whether vectous olabng sre, a ppronre for vousolldation, “the diminark cone alderation in ovary cave iy vehathor tho srk will bs fair ond Impartisl io all partion.” ¥ Consolid. fion should ve avoided JP It would oeuse ® toonfiston ox mrejudiog we to render ihe jury ine oapnblo of finding the faote on the basls oF the evld- pyoe” "PNY FE an ighustioe will result from cone solidnted triula, e tral caurt “has no disoretion to: ony separate teal” PNG Lihyt, 975 Sy Weld we Oi4-15, * FNIO, Jd et G12 (quoting Comortl ¥ Armstrong World Indus, Ina, 72 Fad” 1003, 1008 (2d Ohy,1995)), FING), 44 nt 610, [AISIESILTI To ale in the determineilon of whether oonnolidation fa appropriate in a taesi tort ones ale Toring, oxpoaura in x workpleae, thls Coutt fi bihyt rdopted the “Marylaid Protons’ (1) whether the plalntiffe efsred 2 poonnan work elle; (2) whothey tho plalalitly shared shniler oucupations; (2) seheth: or te pinlailt& hadi ebnilar times of expusura, @ whether tho "208 plalntifia have o slmiler ae at ‘dicdaae! (3) wholher puintit ave allve ov déteasotiy * op lisnite Page 7 of 11 Page 6 (6) thy buns of dlnoovery; (7) wheiber alt plalnttite we reprosonted by dio sare soungel; (8) the type of eimogt elleged, 12 anys and (9) the type of produals ja whlch tho plaintiffs ware exposed! Ih Athy we oxplalned the onneldersitona In gpplying there Factors FNN2, a at G11, As the nunibar of Marylend fhotora that different cagoa have bt oominon Inoransa, the number of Those olaims that ow be wid together may ine prose, But thera is np mthemntival: formula, wad tome of the Maryland Saotorn should be given more welght than , Tho nraxinemn number of clalits that oon bo aggregstetl fa not en absuluto, and the pedal alrounistaaven determine the out jayond which irtel gourty camot gn,P TNS. ‘A tela) court rust also “weigh the risk of prajudjge ‘oF nontusion ngsinat economy of eval,” “Ht RN Ja 18] Gonsolldetion {2 not improper merely hocause some Tentors Indleste that dlostmtleritiag exist withe dnt tite ognsptideted slaims, Rather, lt is vital that a party soaking relief from 2 vonsolidation order e5- tells how the cifferencos among the sonzolidated olsima will meterlaliy afibot the ‘filmes of # ‘tisk FNIS FNTS, Beistob-digrons, 975 8,W.2d ot 60-04, PILOT] A fiother: pati derntion fa the appurlty Of tho alleged pot?8! In fn re Beiolalidyere Squibb, wa Wntracted lowor oamrta to “proowed wlth axienis caution" when aonwolidaling claims oF Im~ mature tori A tort fe maetera only when © tthora haa been full and complete disvavery, mul ‘ie Jury vordluls, ond a porstatont vitaltiy in the ploinii?fi’ [ountontiond).’ "Fle Beumuss 0 "oxig soup” oove bay pyer bao (lad or eppoalod tn ‘Texan, the tort 43 Immature, Henge, the tial oot © 2008 Thomsen Repteral West, Mo Clplm to Orlg, US ev, Works, itpivreb2, weatlayy oom/print/prlntstream.aspaTar=Splitéeprfi-ATMLR&ta=_topdonst 10/20/2008145 8,W,3d 208 45 BW ,3d 203, 47 Tor, Sup, (5,1 172 frag fous dlsoretion to oonealidete digwhniler olstme send must procsed wiih extreina canilon, Whh thls jn mind, we tum fo the applioxthmn of the Merylend Yhotors to this oaue, FINDS, Stig, OTS BAW,26 at 610, FNIT, Brlatolobtyers, 975 8, Wi2d st 603, RNG, £2 Quoting MoGovara, dis Anatps- Is of Maw Torts for dudgey, 13 TEX. L. . RBY, Lua, 1845 (1995)), 4, Cowman Wark ks [12] Plaintifis wryus that wack of the plainiits worked at tho sma Tacifity and, sharezore, hated a vommem worl aff, The defendants gounter that the pleat wee Jarge Amd had govertl separa worl avsa-byen eoparata buildings-tbat onnatiite separ ate work gies, Dotormining whet ooneiltaies y oom sion Work site does not tara merely ox Tooatlon, tit on the similaity of exposures that avowed of & purtunlar lovstlon fi order te shaplify proof of product idontitfoation *¥ Troating te Parker Vantin facility ae a single work alfe would groatly compllants produut {dentificatlon fo this one bo cuqise tho qvidenoe aliows thet different nixturos of ghemiontn were used in different avews of the plant, Use of multiple aly condiloning and ventilation ayatems snd cowndrett fable. tedyoed tho [icoll+ food of exposure fo foe same chernioels in different arias of fhe plant, The iwenly _ consolidated plalititi"209 selected for trial worked tr siteferent prema and heve prusented io evidenes that thoy swerve, axpored to tho same Injory-produoing vheselo- al mixturds, Beceune tho areas oF the plant tn vihiolk the plaintitis worked wera ta diverse, the Pasko ‘Hannitis facility sontaine multiple work altos, FIR. ML Ain, Reffuatory Ca, 1 Buster, BE BW.2d S04, DITAR (Tex.AppeCorpes Chelat} 1999, put. dented), QwensConm ing Flaergles Cor, Marty 942 8,W.2d 7112, 717 (Pox AppeDallas 1997, 9 pat), etd tabby, the cobbolldet $8 al atts Page 8 of 11 ‘Pago 7 clubne of workers fiom different selfodntained sites in the pls ‘will lilcely mnduly projudive the dofendants, Tuer oonfuston ls ely because the twonty ifferent plalnttify Wit necasailly offer proof of exposure te different sheratorls that o0~ purred in diffrent parta of the plant, lending to a aplésr w