Judge: Lee W. Tsao, Case: 23NWCV02450, Date: 2025-03-06 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 23NWCV02450    Hearing Date: March 6, 2025    Dept: F

De Andra, Jr. v. Amazon Logistics, Inc. (23NWCV02450)

This personal injury action was filed on August 4, 2023. Trial is set for April 25, 2025. Defendant AMAZON.COM, INC. now moves ex parte for an order consolidating the matters of Ramon De Anda, Jr. v. Amazon Logistics, Inc., et al. (Case No. 23NWCV02450) and Joel Diaz v. Amazon Logistics, Inc., et al. (Case No. 24NWCV02019) and for an order continuing Trial and all pre-trial dates. Defendant argues the cases should be consolidated because they involve common issues of law and fact, and parties arising from the same accident. Defendant asserts a trial continuance is warranted because 1) Defendant filed an answer in the Diaz case on January 7, 2025 and 2) there is significant amount of discovery yet to be completed in both matters.

The Court initially addresses the ex parte application to consolidate the related cases. The Court finds that the requirements for motions to consolidate under California Rules of Court, rule 3.350 have not been met. Further, the motion is properly brought in Department SE-C. Accordingly, Defendant’s Ex Parte Application to Consolidate the cases is DENIED. Defendant is not foreclosed from filing a noticed motion to consolidate. 

The Court finds good cause exists for a trial continuance—there are multiple discovery motions set after trial. Accordingly, Defendant’s Ex Parte Application to Continue Trial is GRANTED pursuant to CRC Rule 3.1332(c)(6)—a party's excused inability to obtain essential testimony, documents, or other material evidence despite diligent efforts. The Court will confer with the parties to select new trial and final status conference dates. Discovery and all trial deadlines will track the new trial date. Moving Party to give notice.