The Joint Status Report submitted today in the MDL presents an organized pretrial briefing schedule, mutually agreed upon by both parties, to efficiently address Rule 702 motions concerning expert witness testimony and dispositive motions. This approach aims to streamline proceedings by focusing on key issues while postponing certain case-specific motions to trial-specific timelines. Meanwhile, general causation motions and selected expert challenges will move forward.
Key aspects include a phased schedule for briefing motions related to both general and case-specific experts, predefined page limits for filings, and a structured process to handle disputes over supplemental reports and depositions. Additionally, the parties have established deadlines for motions in limine and the final pretrial conference for the first bellwether trial, ensuring coordinated efforts to prevent scheduling conflicts as the litigation advances. The trial for the Mar case is scheduled to commence on May 5, 2025.
