Judge in Lockheed Skunk Works Case Gives Time Frame

A judge said Friday that it will take him two to three weeks to decide how to proceed with a lawsuit filed by about 2,500 Burbank residents who say they were sickened by chemical emissions from Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works defense plant.

Attorneys met privately with Burbank Superior Court Judge Carl J. West to debate how the case should move forward. Lockheed Martin claims that the suits are baseless and should be dismissed.

Earlier this month, West threw out the claims of the first 140 plaintiffs, saying they have not adequately proven that Lockheed Martin caused their ailments.

The other residents will urge West not to throw out their claims as well. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin officials said their plant did not harm any of the residents.

West set another meeting with the attorneys for next month.