Bankruptcy Judge Seeks Change: Pushes for Special Masters in Talc Bankruptcy Cases to Ease Caseload Burden
Newark, New Jersey – Since the first talc bankruptcy was filed in 2021, Judge Michael Kaplan has grappled with numerous disputes in the US Bankruptcy Court. These disagreements encompass a range of issues, including fights over discovery, disputes over the administration of individual claims, and conflicts over the total amount in controversy. If Kaplan were a district court judge overseeing a mass tort action, the solution would be clear: appoint a special master to efficiently manage the increasingly contentious parties. However, as a bankruptcy judge, Kaplan is prohibited from appointing a special master according to … Read more