With the prior eFiling system, one could file one document and apply it to cases that were not officially consolidated but "traveled together" (such as with the asbestos and cell phone cases). That system, however, was not a part of the court's case management system. As a result a different procedure is to be used at this time. If cases are not officially consolidated by court order with other cases, any document applying in several cases, must be filed in each case.
If a case is consolidated with others by court order, then a document can be filed in the lead case. The comments field on the eFiling screen must be used to specify to what other cases the document applies. It will then be accepted (or rejected) by the clerk in the lead case and a docket entry will be made in each of the other cases with which it is consolidated that it was filed. The entry will also state the case number of the lead case where the document was filed and can be viewed on a public access system.
With the prior eFiling system, one could file one document and apply it to cases that were not officially consolidated but "traveled together" (such as with the asbestos and cell phone cases). That system, however, was not a part of the court's case management system. As a result a different procedure is to be used at this time. If cases are not officially consolidated by court order with other cases, any document applying in several cases, must be filed in each case.