SUMMERS v. EAGLE MANUFACTURING CO

Filing 33

ORDER ON DEFENDANTS MOTION FOR SEPARATE TRIALS denying 17 Motion for Separate Trials By JUDGE GEORGE Z. SINGAL. (lrc)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF MAINE
ASHLEY SUMMERS, as surviving spouse
of STEVEN SUMMERS, as Personal
Representative of ESTATE OF STEVEN
SUMMERS, as parent, guardian and next
friend of the minor children, A.S. and M.S.,
Plaintiff,
v.
EAGLE MANUFACTURING CO.,

Defendant.

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) Docket no. 2:16-cv-590-GZS
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ORDER ON DEFENDANT’S MOTION FOR SEPARATE TRIALS

In this wrongful death action, Defendant has moved for separate trials on liability and
damages and to limit discovery “during the initial phase of the case . . . to issues relating to potential
liability.” (Def.’s Mot. for Separate Trials (ECF No. 17), Page ID # 76.) After considering
Defendant’s Motion, Plaintiff’s Response (ECF No. 27), and Defendant’s Reply (ECF No. 32),
the Court determines, for the reasons cogently outlined by Plaintiff, that bifurcation of trial would
be premature at this point in the litigation and that it would thus be inappropriate and inefficient to
limit discovery in the manner requested by Defendant. The Court notes that the deadline for
completion of discovery has already been extended to August 7, 2017. (See Report of Hr’g and
Order Re: Status (ECF No. 26), Page ID # 102.) The Court therefore DENIES WITHOUT
PREJUDICE Defendant’s Motion with the understanding that Defendant may refile a motion for
separate trials once discovery is completed if Defendant so wishes.

SO ORDERED.
/s/ George Z. Singal
United States District Judge
Dated this 20th day of March, 2017.

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