Underwood v. Dolgencorp Inc et al

Filing 21

ORDER granting 18 Motion to Stay all proceedings pending a decision by the MDL Panel. Signed by Judge Brian S. Miller on 5/28/10. (bkp)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS LITTLE ROCK DIVISION MICHELLE UNDERWOOD v. CASE NO. 4:10cv00273 BSM DEFENDANTS ORDER Plaintiff, Michelle Underwood ("Underwood") moves to stay all proceedings pending a decision by the Multi-District Litigation Panel ("MDL Panel") on a motion to re-open, transfer and consolidate pre-trial matters pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1407 (Doc. No. 18). Defendants oppose the motion (Doc. No. 20). The motion is granted. Underwood maintains that staying the case will serve judicial economy and efficiency. In their response defendants cite to their brief in opposition to plaintiff's MDL motion. They further argue that a stay will not promote efficiency because the action has been pending for years and has already been transferred once. The only discovery remaining are depositions that will likely take place in Arkansas. Additionally, defendants assert that this court will decide all merits-related determinations. They conclude that the delay is for delay's sake. Underwood's motion to stay (Doc. No. 18) is granted. The parties shall advise the court in writing immediately upon an action taken by the MDL Panel with regard to this case. IT IS SO ORDERED this 28th day of May, 2010 PLAINTIFF

DOLGENCORP, INC., et al.

________________________________ UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE