CMO 26C Implementation: Bellwether Trial Schedule
In line with CMO 26C directives, the parties involved have outlined a procedural framework for the selection and management of plaintiffs for initial personal injury and wrongful death bellwether trials. These trials will encompass two groups of plaintiffs, totaling 25 individuals alleging kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, or ulcerative colitis as injuries.
The proposed schedule, delineated below, aims to facilitate the efficient handling of complex issues and extensive negotiations inherent in the litigation process:
Proposed Dates for Case Management Order 26D
| Event | Group A Dates | Group B Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Extension of Tier 1 Discovery | June 4, 2024 to June 18, 2024 | N/A |
| Proposals for Bellwether Trial Pool Composition | By July 2, 2024 | By July 2, 2024 |
| Additional Fact Discovery (Tier 2 Discovery) | July 16, 2024 to October 16, 2024 | July 16, 2024 to December 16, 2024 |
| Plaintiffs’ Expert Witness Exchanges | By November 15, 2024 | By May 12, 2025 |
| Defendants’ Expert Witness Exchanges | By December 20, 2024 | By June 16, 2025 |
| Plaintiffs’ Rebuttal Expert Witness Exchanges | By January 10, 2025 | By June 30, 2025 |
| Completion of Expert Depositions | By February 14, 2025 | By July 31, 2025 |
| Summary Judgment/Daubert Motions Filed | By March 6, 2025 | N/A |
| Responses to Motions | By April 3, 2025 | N/A |
| Replies in Support of Motions | By April 17, 2025 | N/A |
This comprehensive schedule delineates key milestones for discovery, expert testimony exchanges, motion practice, and trial preparations, aiming to ensure the timely and effective progression of the litigation proceedings.
