PPI MDL Lawyers Called To Meet The Presiding Judge

PPI MDL Lawyers Called To Meet The Presiding Judge

Introduction

‘Plaintiff Fact Sheets’ release is expected soon for the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) lawsuits which include nearly 552 federally-filed Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid lawsuits, and other claims involving kidney damage from similar heartburn drugs. Judge Claire C. Cecchi, the presiding Judge of the centralized PPI lawsuits: MDL NO. 2757, called the lawyers of both parties to discuss what should be included on “Fact Sheets” that each plaintiff will be required to complete, providing detailed information about their injuries and claims. Other matters which included the entry of a direct filing order, scheduling of a “Science Day” and other matters were also to be discussed during the meeting.

In addition, there are more 227 similar lawsuits pending in state courts, with 127 pending in the Delaware Superior Court.

For smoother functioning and enabling judicial efficiency by eliminating potential delays associated with transferring proton pump inhibitor lawsuits from other federal district courts to the District of New Jersey, the court has allowed the direct filing of complaints as announced in the January 17th Case order Management release. Further, the Order states that complaints may only name a single plaintiff, with the exception of cases that include consortium and/or derivative plaintiffs and, in the event of a wrongful death action, the representatives and/or distributees of the estate. A Master Complaint submission is expected within fourteen days of case management order release giving the plaintiffs 45 days to file their Master Answer setting forth all defenses to the complaint.