Lawyers want TVA cases combined

KNOXVILLE, TENN. — Attorneys for people seeking damages from the Tennessee Valley Authority’s coal ash spill have asked a federal judge in Knoxville to consolidate the pending cases.

Among the dozens of attorneys, Elizabeth Alexander of Nashville said the motion is “just a way to streamline” the case for those seeking damages, and Rhon Jones of Montgomery, Ala., said in an e-mail statement that it shows a “new level of unity” among plaintiffs.

The Thursday court filing asks to consolidate the cases for “all purposes, including discovery, class certification and trial.”

TVA spokeswoman Barbara Martocci said in an e-mail statement that the utility will respond in court filings.

The court has not ruled on TVA’s contention that as a government entity it should not be held liable for damages.

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