Judge: Lee W. Tsao, Case: 23NWCV00025, Date: 2024-09-05 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 23NWCV00025    Hearing Date: September 5, 2024    Dept: C

Joann Min vs Jang Dok Dae, Case No. 23NWCV00025

This is a product liability action. Defendant Jang Dok Dae, Inc. applies ex parte for an order advancing the hearing to bifurcate the issue of liability from the issue of damages at trial.  

Here, trial is set for October 16, 2024.  Defendant asserts that the deadline to bifurcate is October 1, 2024. (CCP § 598.) However, under the statute, whether to hear a motion to bifurcate by that date is discretionary.  In the Norwalk Courthouse, motions to bifurcate are typically heard by the trial court as a motion in limine. 

Accordingly, Defendant Jang Dok Dae, Inc.’s ex parte application is DENIED.  Alternatively, the Motion to Bifurcate is ADVANCED from June 11, 2025 to today’s date and CONTINUED to October 16, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. in Dept. SE-F.  The motion shall be heard in the trial court as a motion in limine.  Opposition and Reply briefs to be filed and served in compliance with the trial date.  Moving party to give notice.