Philadelphia Mass Tort Program Suspends Reverse Bifurcation Procedure

PHILADELPHIA -- According to a notice to the bar regarding Philadelphia's mass tort program, the process of trying cases by reverse bifurcation will be suspended, effective immediately. Mass Tort Program (Pa. Ct. Comm. Pls., Philadelphia Cty.).

The Dec. 8 notice, issued by Judge Sandra Mazer Moss, Coordinating Judge, Complex Litigation Center, of the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas for Philadelphia County, notes that the practice will be suspended during a study period that is expected to last until February.

"In the meantime, mass tort cases shall proceed to trial individually," the notice states.

Parties have until January 31, 2012, …