Parties to Discuss Tolling Argument Status For PPI Lawsuits

Parties to Discuss Tolling Argument Status For PPI Lawsuits

Introduction

As per a joint status report submitted by the parties of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) litigation on December 14, there are currently 16,000 tolling argument claims submitted. If the arrangement is not extended, each of these claims may be filed before the tolling period expires on January 31, 2019, for federal court cases, and May 31, 2019, for state court cases.

The parties are required to meet the presiding U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi this week to discuss the status of tolling arguments submitted by PPI plaintiffs and also to select a small group of claims for early trial dates in the federal court. Earlier this year, the manufacturers allowed plaintiffs to file delayed claims until January 31, 2019, to avoid additional litigation charges. A process established in 2017 allowed potential plaintiffs to toll the ongoing statute of limitations by providing little information about the drug usage and kidney injuries they suffered.

There are currently more than 2,500 Nexium, Prilosec, Protonix, and Prevacid lawsuits pending in the federal court system covering allegations that inadequate warnings were given out about the possible kidney risks linked to PPI drugs.