On Tuesday, Judge Ronald E. Wilson of the First Judicial Circuit in West Virginia, who oversees the state’s asbestos docket, issued a notice announcing that the jury selection in the upcoming asbestos trial has been scheduled to begin on July 27 at the Highlands Event Center in Wheeling.
The Highlands Event Center is about 4,000 square feet and was chosen over the Ohio County Courthouse to maintain social distancing procedures required because of the Coronavirus pandemic. The circuit judge has also urged the parties to settle and avoid the upcoming consolidated asbestos trial, which can be “a dreadful experience.”
The trial, scheduled to begin on August 3, will include 38 mesothelioma and lung cancer cases that have more than 100 defendants each, and some have more than 140 defendants. Wilson, in his July 21 notice, also listed the procedure required to enter the building and conduct negotiations in person.
The notice states that not more than 20 people will be permitted in the room at one time and everyone will be required to wear a mask, have their temperature taken, asked about contacts with COVID-19 individuals, fill out a contact tracing information form, and comply with the six-foot social distancing requirement. The jury selection will be done by questioning 30 to 40 prospective jurors.
As of July 22, West Virginia has reported 5,206 Coronavirus cases and 101 deaths due to the virus. Referring to the health risks associated, some defendants have asked to delay the trial.
