The Associated Press

2/10/2009

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal judge has scheduled the first four trials for a batch of lawsuits filed on behalf of hurricane victims who claim they were exposed to potentially toxic fumes while living in government-issued trailers.

An order issued Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Kurt Engelhardt also says cases against Gulf Stream, Fleetwood, Forest River and Keystone RV will be the first to be tried. The federal government also will be a defendant in the cases.

Plaintiffs for the first four “bellweather” trials haven’t been named yet.

The first of four trials is tentatively scheduled to start Sept. 14. The next three are scheduled to start in October, December and January.

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