Legal Developments
The justice system plays an essential role in the safety of prescription drugs and medical devices. When regulatory agencies fail to act, a courthouse becomes the only way to hold manufacturers accountable. At MedTruth, we believe the vitality of a nation relies on the justice upheld by its people. Keep your hand on the pulse of mass torts law and other litigation regarding patient harm and consumer safety.
Top Articles on Legal Developments
California Wildfires Spark Legal and Political Battles for PG&E
Nicole Knight · December 5, 2019
PG&E, the power provider implicated in the recent California wildfires, now faces legal action by the state.
Legal DevelopmentsIn 3 Months, 20,000 More Plaintiffs Claim Roundup Caused Cancer
Emma Schkloven · November 26, 2019
The number of plaintiffs claiming Roundup caused their cancer has more than doubled to 42,700 in the last three months.
Legal DevelopmentsSeven Plaintiffs Refile J&J Talc Lawsuit to Prosecute Claire's and Others
James Parker · August 1, 2019
Judge George H. Wu of California granted case dismissal to seven plaintiffs in a talc lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson for their failure to label talc products. The plaintiffs will refile - adding more cases to their complaint and holding other companies liable.
Legal Developments-
California Wildfires Spark Legal and Political Battles for PG&E
Nicole Knight · December 5, 2019
PG&E, the power provider implicated in the recent California wildfires, now faces legal action by the state.
Legal Developments -
In 3 Months, 20,000 More Plaintiffs Claim Roundup Caused Cancer
Emma Schkloven · November 26, 2019
The number of plaintiffs claiming Roundup caused their cancer has more than doubled to 42,700 in the last three months.
Legal Developments -
Seven Plaintiffs Refile J&J Talc Lawsuit to Prosecute Claire's and Others
James Parker · August 1, 2019
Judge George H. Wu of California granted case dismissal to seven plaintiffs in a talc lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson for their failure to label talc products. The plaintiffs will refile - adding more cases to their complaint and holding other companies liable.
Legal Developments
Former Monsanto CEO Testifies in First Roundup Trial Outside California
MedTruth Editors · May 20, 2022
This is the first trial in which former CEO of Monsanto Hugh Grant, who ran the company for 15 years, will testify.
Legal DevelopmentsOpioid Settlement Increased by $46 Million
MedTruth Editors · May 17, 2022
Washington state's attorney general has secured a $518 million settlement from opioid manufactures.
Legal DevelopmentsWalgreens Opioid Lawsuit Settled For $683 Million
MedTruth Editors · May 11, 2022
The state of Florida has reached a settlement with Walgreens over the drug store’s alleged role in contributing to the opioid epidemic.
Legal DevelopmentsGet our reporting in your inbox
Veteran Awarded $2.2 Million in 3M Earplug Trial
MedTruth Editors · May 10, 2022
This is 3M's ninth trial loss in 15 bellwether trials alleging that defective military earplugs cause hearing damage and tinnitus.
Legal DevelopmentsEthicon Loses $300 Million Surgical Mesh Appeal
MedTruth Editors · May 6, 2022
The company must pay over $300 million to California for misleading marketing practices regarding transvaginal mesh products.
Legal DevelopmentsRoundup Judge Criticizes Proposed False Advertising Settlement
MedTruth Editors · April 27, 2022
The settlement would provide payments to consumers who purchased certain Roundup products and resolve a lawsuit claiming that Monsanto failed to warn users.
Legal DevelopmentsJudge Denies 3M’s Fee Acceleration Motion For Earplug Plaintiffs
MedTruth Editors · April 22, 2022
3M argued that a court decision that waived the administrative docket’s $402 per claim filing fee has ballooned the number of defective earplug claims.
Legal DevelopmentsBayer Settles Dozens of Roundup Cancer Claims
MedTruth Editors · April 20, 2022
In March, Bayer announced that of approximately 138,000 cancer claims filed by individuals, 107,000 had been resolved or deemed ineligible.
Legal DevelopmentsOpioid MDL Growth Halted
MedTruth Editors · April 19, 2022
The window to join the massive MDL in Northern Ohio has been officially closed by the JPML.
Legal DevelopmentsJudge Grants Fast-Track Appeal of J&J’s Talc Bankruptcy
MedTruth Editors · April 13, 2022
Judge Kaplan allowed plaintiffs who have alleged that J&J’s asbestos-contaminated talc products caused them to develop cancer to appeal his ruling
Legal Developments13th Military Earplug Trial Returns $50 Million Plaintiff Verdict
MedTruth Editors · April 8, 2022
The trial concluded that the military veteran developed hearing loss and severe tinnitus because of 3M’s negligence.
Legal DevelopmentsBayer Brings Second Roundup Verdict Petition to Supreme Court
MedTruth Editors · March 30, 2022
The company behind Roundup weedkiller, which thousands claim caused their cancer, is petitioning the nation’s high court to review a Roundup case for the second time.
Legal DevelopmentsSmith & Nephew Hip Implant MDL Claims Reduced
MedTruth Editors · March 18, 2022
Plaintiffs in the MDL all underwent hip resurfacing surgery with metal-on-metal implants.
Legal DevelopmentsNew Opioid Plan Increases Penalties for Sacklers
MedTruth Editors · March 15, 2022
A deal has been reached between the Sackler Family and the nine remaining states in the nationwide opioid settlement.
Legal DevelopmentsDrugmakers Lose Push to Pause Opioid Litigation
MedTruth Editors · March 10, 2022
Opioid litigation will continue after a judge rejected drug manufacturers' request for a pause.
Legal Developments3M Appeals First Military Earplug Trial Loss
MedTruth Editors · March 9, 2022
The company behind the military earplugs that allegedly cause hearing loss is urging the appeals court to bring an end to litigation.
Legal DevelopmentsBankruptcy Court Approves J&J Talc Case
MedTruth Editors · March 8, 2022
The judge is allowing Johnson & Johnson to move forward with the bankruptcy process for the company's new entity, LTL Management.
Legal DevelopmentsCA State Court Hears Zantac Lawsuits in October
MedTruth Editors · March 2, 2022
California will hold the first Zantac lawsuits in October of this year. Defendants are accused of failing to warn users about the drug's potential link to cancer.
Legal Developments$10 Million Eye Damage Lawsuit Joins Elmiron MDL
MedTruth Editors · February 16, 2022
Plaintiffs who allege that their vision has been damaged because of the drug all used Elmiron for many years.
Legal DevelopmentsJudge Blocks Discovery Request in Zantac Lawsuit
MedTruth Editors · February 15, 2022
GlaxoSmithKline will not be able to subpoena documents from plaintiffs in the Zantac multidistrict litigation.
Legal DevelopmentsOpioid Manufacturers Settle With Indigenous Tribes
MedTruth Editors · February 10, 2022
Indigenous tribes have reached a settlement with opioid manufacturers over their alleged role in the opioid crisis.
Legal Developments3M Blasted By $110 Million Military Earplug Verdict
MedTruth Editors · February 9, 2022
This award is the largest thus far in the largest federal mass tort in U.S. history.
Legal DevelopmentsJudge Declines To Decide Talc Committee’s Motions
MedTruth Editors · February 8, 2022
Judge Freda L. Wolfson has declined to decide issues arising from the bankruptcy of J&J’s subsidiary, LTL Management.
Legal DevelopmentsSanofi Wins Taxotere Trial Over Hair Loss Claims
MedTruth Editors · February 2, 2022
Over 12,000 individuals allege that the breast cancer drug Taxotere caused their permanent hair loss, and that manufacturer Sanofi was aware that this could be a side effect of the drug.
Legal DevelopmentsRoundup Attorneys May Face Malpractice Claims For Failing to Produce Experts
MedTruth Editors · January 28, 2022
Judge Chhabria’s order stated that plaintiffs must produce an expert to support their claim that Roundup caused their non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Legal DevelopmentsSupreme Court Asks Biden Admin To Weigh In on Roundup Appeal
MedTruth Editors · January 25, 2022
The U.S. Supreme Court asked the Solicitor General for the administration's views on the Roundup cancer trial that awarded plaintiff Edwin Hardeman $25 million.
Legal DevelopmentsBayer Settles Boy's Roundup Rare Cancer Claims
MedTruth Editors · January 19, 2022
A mother claims her son developed Burkitt’s lymphoma from years of Roundup exposure.
Legal DevelopmentsDuPont Avoids PFAS Lawsuit in New York
MedTruth Editors · January 18, 2022
Suez Water New York claims DuPont contaminated New York’s water supply with PFAS.
Legal Developments3M Wins Ninth & Tenth Earplug Bellwether Trials
MedTruth Editors · January 14, 2022
The results of the latest 3M military earplug trials have gone in favor of manufacturer 3M, deeming the company not liable for two veterans' loss of hearing.
Legal DevelopmentsPurdue Pharma Opioid Settlement Rejected By Judge
MedTruth Editors · January 12, 2022
Judge McMahon rejected the bankruptcy settlement plan that would have resolved thousands of opioid epidemic lawsuits against Purdue Pharma.
Legal DevelopmentsE-Cigarette Direct Purchasers Fight Forced Arbitration
MedTruth Editors · January 6, 2022
The lawsuit alleges that Juul Labs sold a 35% share of its company to the Altria Group as part of a conspiracy to push Altria out of the e-cigarette marketplace in a bid for supremacy over e-cigarette prices.
Legal DevelopmentsArmy Vet Awarded $22.5 Million in 3M Combat Earplugs Trial
MedTruth Editors · January 5, 2022
A federal jury in Florida found that 3M’s Combat Arms Earplugs were responsible for the Army vet’s hearing damage.
Legal DevelopmentsEthicon Attorneys Accuse Plaintiffs of Concealing Materials
MedTruth Editors · January 4, 2022
Attorneys for Ethicon told a New Jersey federal court that it needs access to marketing documents used by several lead-generation companies for attorneys.
Legal DevelopmentsWhistleblower Lawsuit Dismissed for Confidentiality Breach
MedTruth Editors · January 3, 2022
Two doctors claimed that the metal-on-metal hip implants of DePuy and J&J that were sold fell outside the FDA-approved manufacturing specifications.
Legal DevelopmentsStates Urge Federal Judge To Reject Purdue Pharma Settlement
MedTruth Editors · December 16, 2021
A group of U.S. states is urging a federal judge to reject a settlement that may benefit Oxycontin maker Purdue Pharma.
Legal DevelopmentsJ&J Talc Lawsuit Transfer to NJ Opens Suit to Dismissal
MedTruth Editors · December 15, 2021
After being transferred to New Jersey in November, J&J’s bankruptcy case may now meet fiercer resistance.
Legal DevelopmentsPlaintiffs in JUUL Lawsuit Thrown Out by Federal Judge
MedTruth Editors · December 14, 2021
The judge has thrown out 19 plaintiffs suing Juul Labs for injuries and deceitful marketing.
Legal DevelopmentsParagard MDL Proceeds to Discovery
MedTruth Editors · December 10, 2021
The Paragard case will be moving forward after overcoming a motion to dismiss.
Legal DevelopmentsOhio Jury Finds Pharmacies Liable For Opioid Crisis
MedTruth Editors · December 7, 2021
This verdict comes as an upset to a streak of losses that counties have suffered across the nation.
Legal DevelopmentsCalifornia Couple’s $86 Million Roundup Award Refused Review
MedTruth Editors · December 6, 2021
Bayer petitioned to review the outcome of the third Roundup trial that resulted in a damage award of $86 million.
Legal DevelopmentsJohnson & Johnson Settles Most Risperdal Lawsuits
MedTruth Editors · December 3, 2021
Thousands of lawsuits alleged that Risperdal, an anti-psychotic medication, caused them to develop enlarged breast tissue.
Legal DevelopmentsArmy Vet Awarded $13 Million in 3M Earplug Trial
MedTruth Editors · November 30, 2021
Guillermo Camarillorazo, a sergeant who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was awarded $13 million.
Legal DevelopmentsTalc Advocates Reject J&J Settlement Talks
MedTruth Editors · November 29, 2021
Johnson & Johnson will most likely have to wait until at least 2022 before it can restart to negotiate a resolution.
Legal DevelopmentsSupreme Court Throws Out Opioid Verdict
MedTruth Editors · November 18, 2021
The case accused Johnson & Johnson of creating a public nuisance with their opioid marketing that contributed to the opioid crisis
Legal DevelopmentsJ&J Allegedly Delaying Talc Trial in Mississippi
MedTruth Editors · November 17, 2021
Mississippi's Attorney General urged the Supreme Court to reject J&J's petition to delay the state’s seven-year talcum powder lawsuit.
Legal DevelopmentsGiant Eagle Resolves Ohio Opioid Suit During Trial
MedTruth Editors · November 12, 2021
The company agreed to settle lawsuits that accuse it of contributing to the opioid crisis in communities throughout Ohio.
Legal DevelopmentsDefendants Move For Paraquat MDL Dismissals
MedTruth Editors · November 11, 2021
Corporations Syngenta and Chevron USA are attempting to weed out invalid claims from the MDL.
Legal DevelopmentsPhilips Faces Class Action Suit Over Recalled Sleep Apnea Device
MedTruth Editors · November 8, 2021
Philips' CPAP machine was recalled in June over concerns that users could be exposed to polyester foam.
Legal DevelopmentsElmiron Science Day Educates Judicial Officers
MedTruth Editors · November 4, 2021
Judicial officers were briefed on the mechanisms of Elmiron’s interaction with patients and the effects of long-term exposure linked to vision damage.
Legal DevelopmentsJudge Approves Investor Roundup Lawsuit Against Bayer
MedTruth Editors · November 3, 2021
Bayer failed to disclose the financial risks associated with the company’s 2018 acquisition of the Monsanto Corporation to its shareholders.
Legal DevelopmentsPharmacies Accuse Gilead of Impeding Generic Drug Release
MedTruth Editors · October 27, 2021
CVS and Rite Aid are suing Gilead for suppressing the release of generic HIV drugs.
Legal DevelopmentsJ&J Wins Third Post-Pandemic Talc Powder Ovarian Cancer Trial
MedTruth Editors · October 22, 2021
This marks J&J’s third ovarian cancer talc trial win since cases were resumed after pandemic lockdowns.
Legal DevelopmentsBranded Zantac Makers Can’t Escape Class-Action, Judge Rules
MedTruth Editors · October 21, 2021
Zantac manufacturers are facing lawsuits filed by individuals who claim the drug causes cancer.
Legal DevelopmentsArmy Vet Awarded $8 Million in Combat Earplug Trial
MedTruth Editors · October 15, 2021
3M has lost its 3rd combat earplug trial and owes Army veteran Brandon Atkins over $8 million for his hearing issues.
Legal DevelopmentsCVS Executive Speaks Out in Opioid Trial
MedTruth Editors · October 14, 2021
Pharmacies have countered that they have robust opioid monitoring systems to prevent abuse by illegitimate prescriptions.
Legal DevelopmentsPFAS Lawsuits Centered in Georgia Have National Implications
MedTruth Editors · October 6, 2021
Last week, a federal judge in Georgia issued a ruling on one of the cases that could affect PFAS litigation throughout the nation.
Legal DevelopmentsJ&J Cleared in PA Talc Trial
MedTruth Editors · October 5, 2021
A jury acquitted Johnson & Johnson of civil liability for one woman’s ovarian cancer.
Legal DevelopmentsChronically-Ill Roundup Plaintiff Struggles to Testify
MedTruth Editors · October 1, 2021
A woman who suffers from significant memory loss struggled to answer questions posed by a Monsanto attorney in a Roundup trial.
Legal DevelopmentsJudge Prevents Injunction Against J&J Asset Splitting
MedTruth Editors · September 30, 2021
The plaintiffs argue that this financial maneuver would unlawfully shield Johnson & Johnson from any liability the company may owe for its talcum powder’s connection to ovarian cancer.
Legal DevelopmentsDates Set for First Zantac Trials in the Nation
MedTruth Editors · September 29, 2021
The first Zantac cancer case has been scheduled for 2022.
Legal DevelopmentsJ&J Returns to Court In “Ground Zero” For Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits
MedTruth Editors · September 24, 2021
The first J&J talcum powder trial since before the pandemic has begun in Missouri over ovarian cancer claims.
Legal DevelopmentsParaquat Claims Could Cost Syngenta & Chevron Billions
MedTruth Editors · September 22, 2021
Legal experts involved in paraquat litigation estimate that there may eventually be tens of thousands of cases.
Legal DevelopmentsSackler Family To Receive Broad Immunity in Purdue Settlement
MedTruth Editors · September 17, 2021
With the approval, the Sacklers will pay $4.5 billion from the family’s personal fortune over nine years and will relinquish control of the company to a government-run entity.
Legal Developments$26 Billion Opioid Settlement Rejected By Five States
MedTruth Editors · September 10, 2021
Five states have rejected a deal with opioid drug distributors, and a few more states may follow suit.
Legal DevelopmentsFirst Bard Hernia Mesh Bellwether Trial Underway
MedTruth Editors · September 3, 2021
Over 13,000 lawsuits have been filed against C.R. Bard over defective hernia mesh claims.
Legal DevelopmentsJ&J Hit With $26.5 Million Talc Verdict
MedTruth Editors · September 2, 2021
Christina Prudencio's lawyer claimed her terminal mesothelioma was rooted in Johnson & Johnson ignoring decades of proof that their talcum products were unsafe.
Legal DevelopmentsBayer Petitions Supreme Court To Review 2nd Roundup Trial
MedTruth Editors · August 30, 2021
Bayer filed a petition to reverse a verdict that awarded a Roundup user $80 million in damages.
Legal DevelopmentsBankruptcy Judge To Consider $4 Billion Purdue Pharma Opioid Settlement
MedTruth Editors · August 25, 2021
Under the proposed bankruptcy plan, Purdue Pharma would be reorganized into a new entity.
Legal DevelopmentsNorth Georgia Healthcare Center Settles Whistleblower Lawsuit
MedTruth Editors · August 19, 2021
The healthcare center agreed to pay the federal government $130,000 to settle a whistleblower lawsuit filed by a former employee.
Legal DevelopmentsZantac MDL Judge Reduces Relevant Defendants
MedTruth Editors · August 17, 2021
Judge Rosenberg determined that the lawsuits against the generic manufacturer are preempted since the law does not allow the generics to be labeled differently.
Legal DevelopmentsCalifornia Court Upholds J&J Talc Verdict
MedTruth Editors · August 10, 2021
On August 5, a California court rejected Johnson & Johnson’s appeal to exclude the testimony of an expert who found asbestos in talcum powder.
Legal DevelopmentsDrug Makers Agree to $26 Billion Nationwide Settlement To Resolve Opioid Suits
MedTruth Editors · July 26, 2021
Three drug distributors will pay $26 billion to resolve thousands of lawsuits filed over the opioid epidemic.
Legal DevelopmentsJuul Settles Youth Vaping Marketing Lawsuit For $40 Million
MedTruth Editors · July 20, 2021
Juul Labs and North Carolina have reached a settlement in a lawsuit claiming Juul promoted vaping to youths.
Legal DevelopmentsPelvic Mesh Lawsuit Amendment Struck Down by Penn. Court
MedTruth Editors · July 14, 2021
Judge Wiegand has rejected the amended complaint of Susan and Carl Antonucci in an ongoing lawsuit regarding Boston Scientific’s pelvic mesh products.
Legal DevelopmentsJohnson & Johnson Pelvic Mesh Lawsuit Moves Forward Despite Lack of Details
Carah Wertheimer · May 14, 2021
A judge has decided that Theresa Drumheller does not need to provide more details about her pelvic mesh for the lawsuit to proceed.
Legal DevelopmentsNearly 70 Paraquat Lawsuits Filed, Allege Toxic Herbicide Causes Parkinson's Disease
James Parker · May 10, 2021
In early April, two plaintiffs filed a request for multidistrict litigation against paraquat manufacturers, including Syngenta.
Legal DevelopmentsJury Awards $7 Million to Three Veterans for Military Earplugs Hearing Loss
Carah Wertheimer · May 5, 2021
A federal jury has awarded $7.1 million to three army veterans who alleged that defective 3M military earplugs caused their permanent hearing damage.
Legal DevelopmentsNew York Restores Right to Sue Nursing Homes for COVID-19 Injuries and Deaths
MedTruth Editors · April 21, 2021
Governor Cuomo signed a bill repealing a New York law that protects health care facilities and professionals from COVID-19 related lawsuits.
Legal DevelopmentsBellwether Trials: What You Need to Know
James Parker · April 8, 2021
MedTruth's guide to bellwether trials, including their importance and notable examples.
Legal DevelopmentsMulti-Million Dollar Transvaginal Mesh Settlement with 47 States
MedTruth Editors · March 31, 2021
Boston Scientific has agreed to settle transvaginal mesh claims from 47 states and the District of Columbia for $188.7 million. Last week’s settlement concludes a series of lawsuits accusing Boston Scientific of violating consumer protection laws by misrepresenting the safety and effectiveness of their transvaginal mesh products.
Legal DevelopmentsBaby Food Companies Sued for Toxic Heavy Metal Contamination
James Parker · March 23, 2021
A group of parents has requested that the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidate their cases in federal district court.
Legal DevelopmentsClass Action Lawsuits: What You Need to Know
James Parker · February 24, 2021
MedTruth's guide to class action lawsuits, from the basics to how the process works.
Legal DevelopmentsMultidistrict Litigation: What You Need to Know
MedTruth Editors · February 5, 2021
A guide to multidistrict litigation, from the basics to the reasoning behind consolidating lawsuits.
Legal DevelopmentsUp to $4 Billion Earmarked for PFAS Lawsuits
Kristen Fischer · February 3, 2021
Three companies have made a $4 billion deal to settle potential lawsuits related to toxic PFAS.
Legal DevelopmentsJohnson and Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuits: Recent Developments
Guest Contributor · January 29, 2021
An update on lawsuits claiming J&J's talcum powder causes ovarian cancer.
Legal DevelopmentsParagard IUD Lawsuits Transferred to Female Judge in Georgia
Carah Wertheimer · January 26, 2021
Paragard copper IUD lawsuits filed by women from 23 states were grouped together and transferred to federal court in Atlanta late last year.
Legal DevelopmentsCOVID-19 Nursing Home Lawsuit Protections: Early 2021 State Updates
James Parker · January 22, 2021
A roundup of updates on COVID-19 nursing home lawsuits.
Legal DevelopmentsElmiron Lawsuits Transferred to New Jersey
Carah Wertheimer · January 13, 2021
Elmiron bladder medication lawsuits alleging vision damage are being transferred to a single New Jersey federal court.
Legal DevelopmentsElmiron Class Action Lawsuit Blocked by Pennsylvania Judge
Carah Wertheimer · December 4, 2020
A request from Elmiron manufacturer to stop a proposed national class action lawsuit from proceeding has been granted.
Legal Developments$2.1 Billion Talcum Powder Cancer Verdict Stands, J&J Appealing to Supreme Court
James Parker · November 12, 2020
Johnson & Johnson intends to appeal a record $2.1 billion talc verdict after striking out in the Missouri Supreme Court.
Legal DevelopmentsGolf Pro Sues Monsanto, Claims Roundup Caused Cancer
James Parker · September 16, 2020
A Washington state golf pro who says Roundup caused his cancer has filed a lawsuit against Monsanto.
Legal DevelopmentsJohnson & Johnson Talc Appeal Reaches Missouri Supreme Court
James Parker · September 11, 2020
J&J is asking the Missouri Supreme Court to overturn a multibillion-dollar ruling that affirmed that asbestos and carcinogens in its talc products caused cancer in 22 women.
Legal DevelopmentsElmiron Lawsuits Claim Drug Companies Knowingly Withheld Risks
James Parker · August 25, 2020
Two women allege that drug manufacturers knowingly withheld information about harm caused by long-term use of Elmiron.
Legal DevelopmentsBan on Controversial Herbicide Dicamba Stands, Court Decides
Lynne Higby · August 20, 2020
A federal appellate court affirmed a nationwide ban on the controversial weed killer dicamba.
Legal DevelopmentsEssure Settlement Costs Bayer $1.6 Billion
MedTruth Editors · August 20, 2020
Bayer will pay $1.6 billion to settle the majority of U.S. claims brought by women who said they were sickened or harmed by Essure permanent birth control.
Legal DevelopmentsCourt Panel Affirms Decision That Roundup Causes Cancer, but Slashes Record Jury Verdict
T.J. La · August 7, 2020
A jury verdict that found that Monsanto’s Roundup caused a groundskeeper’s cancer still stands under a California appellate decision issued last month, but the panel slashed the award.
Legal DevelopmentsFederal Judge Sends 11 J&J Talc Cases Back to Missouri State Court
Lynne Higby · July 21, 2020
Eleven cases in Johnson & Johnson’s ongoing talcum powder litigation have been bumped back to Missouri state court.
Legal DevelopmentsJudge Rebuffs Bayer’s Settlement Bid Over Proposed Scheme to Sidestep Jury
Lynne Higby · July 15, 2020
The case’s presiding judge questioned the lawfulness of a provision in the proposed $10 billion settlement, causing attorneys representing Roundup plaintiffs to back away from the proposed deal.
Legal DevelopmentsCivil Rights, A Global Pandemic and Justice: Practicing Law in the Era of COVID-19
Emily Rose Thorne · July 10, 2020
Amid a push to transform the criminal justice system and mandates to work from home to avoid worsening a public health crisis, how have America’s lawyers adapted their practice?
Legal DevelopmentsGBCA Chemical Toxicity Suit Weathers Dismissal Claims
James Parker · July 2, 2020
The plaintiff claims that the GBCAs used in her MRIs in 2015 caused a condition known as gadolinium deposition disease (GDD) and a host of debilitating side effects.
Legal DevelopmentsZofran Bellwether Delay Pushes Proceedings to 2021
James Parker · June 29, 2020
The multidistrict Zofran litigation has been further delayed to 2021 due to coronavirus concerns.
Legal DevelopmentsJ&J to Pay $2.1 Billion in Talc Damage
Lynne Higby · June 26, 2020
A Missouri court of appeals affirmed a jury verdict finding that Johnson and Johnson had actual knowledge of asbestos contained in its popular talcum-based baby powder.
Legal DevelopmentsCalifornia Attorneys Seek to Consolidate Zantac Lawsuits
James Parker · June 12, 2020
Attorneys representing 40 plaintiffs in California have recently filed a petition to consolidate product liability cases against the manufacturers of the heartburn medication Zantac, which may cause cancer.
Legal DevelopmentsTobacco Companies Challenge LA County Vape Ban in California Federal Court
James Parker · June 10, 2020
A group of tobacco companies is pushing to legally overturn the Los Angeles County ban on flavored vape fluid, alleging the action is unconstitutional and unenforceable.
Legal DevelopmentsState Courts Tolling Statutes of Limitation During COVID-19
Joanna Shawn Brigid O'Leary · June 4, 2020
Federal and state courts are struggling to process lawsuits and fulfill civil procedural protocols as the coronavirus outbreak continues, causing the need to "toll" or suspend statutes of limitations.
Legal DevelopmentsHow to Navigate Statutes of Limitation in Talc-Cancer Claims
Lynne Higby · May 27, 2020
Questions about the statute of limitations for ovarian cancer wrongful death claims have been raised by the families of women who used Johnson & Johnson's talcum powder products.
Legal DevelopmentsNew York State Courts Gradually Reopening
James Parker · May 22, 2020
Courts in New York City starting the next stage of re-opening, allowing for electronic filing of non-essential legal matters using the New York State Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF).
Legal DevelopmentsNursing Home Execs May Lose COVID-19 Liability Protections
James Parker · May 21, 2020
Newly introduced legislation could unravel legal protections recently afforded nursing home executives and administrators in New York.
Legal DevelopmentsJohnson & Johnson Faces Elmiron Lawsuit for Allegedly Concealing Adverse Event Data
James Parker · May 18, 2020
A recent legal complaint filed in May by a Nevada woman named Tina Pisco claims Elmiron, a drug for interstitial cystitis, caused her to develop maculopathy — a degenerative disease of the retina that may permanently damage vision.
Legal DevelopmentsAfter 9 Months, Daubert Ruling on Talcum Powder-Cancer is Released
James Parker · May 1, 2020
The recent Daubert opinion, written by presiding Judge Wolfson after a nine-month deliberation, is a crucial ruling on the validity of the methods used by the expert scientific witnesses testifying in the talcum powder and ovarian cancer multi-district litigation.
Legal DevelopmentsNew Opioid Lawsuit Filings May Be on the Horizon
James Parker · April 21, 2020
More than 2,700 multidistrict-litigations are still pending in Ohio federal court, while new opioid lawsuit filings are being bounced back to local and tribal governments.
Legal DevelopmentsBayer Renegs on Roundup Cancer Claim Settlements, Blames Coronavirus
Carah Wertheimer · April 8, 2020
Bayer is backing out of draft settlements with U.S. law firms representing more than 45,000 plaintiffs who allege that their non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was caused by exposure to Monsanto’s Roundup.
Legal DevelopmentsJohnson & Johnson Talc Appeal Unhindered by COVID-19 Shutdown
James Parker · March 30, 2020
A Missouri appellate court set an April 24 date for Johnson & Johnson’s $4.69 billion talc appeal, despite the Missouri Supreme Court’s cancellation of all April arguments to reduce COVID-19 exposure.
Legal DevelopmentsZofran Bellwether Delay Halts Litigatory Momentum
James Parker · March 27, 2020
The first bellwether trial in the multidistrict litigation involving Zofran, an anti-nausea medication that may cause birth defects, has been indefinitely postponed.
Legal DevelopmentsHundreds of Cases Against Zofran Manufacturer Still Pending
Nicole Knight · March 13, 2020
More than 500 cases are pending against GlaxoSmithKline, claiming the drugmaker aggressively marketed Zofran to pregnant women without informing them of the potential risk of birth defects.
Legal DevelopmentsMore States Sue JUUL As FDA's Regulatory Deadline Approaches
Kimberly Nicoletti · March 11, 2020
As more states file suit against Juul, the vaping manufacturer prepares to submit an application to the FDA to prove that e-cigarettes benefit smokers more than they harm teenagers.
Legal DevelopmentsCorporations Accused of Allowing Excess NDMA in Zantac MDL
James Parker · March 4, 2020
A Zantac multidistrict litigation hearing was held to decide how to proceed with over 100 lawsuits filed alleging that the makers of Zantac and its counterparts concealed fatal defects in the drug’s ingredients.
Legal DevelopmentsJ&J Fined More Than $180 Million for Asbestos Contamination
James Parker · February 6, 2020
A New Jersey jury imposed a now-reduced verdict of three-quarters of a million dollars in punitive fines to Johnson & Johnson.
Legal DevelopmentsNational Trial Lawyers Summit Hosts First-Ever Women's Leadership Forum
Andrea Sarcos · February 6, 2020
Nearly 50 trial lawyers gathered at the Women’s Leadership Forum, a dedicated development session in support of women in the profession, at the National Trial Lawyers Summit in Miami, Florida.
Legal DevelopmentsCalifornia Ethicon Mesh Judgement Results in $344 Million Fine for J&J
James Parker · January 30, 2020
Johnson & Johnson's subsidiary is set to pay $344 million for failing to inform consumers about the risks of transvaginal mesh.
Legal DevelopmentsBoynton Beach Zantac Lawsuit Filed by Local Woman
James Parker · January 15, 2020
A Florida woman has filed a lawsuit alleging that Zantac manufacturers deliberately allowed an unsafe product to remain on the market.
Legal DevelopmentsJohnson & Johnson Settlement Abruptly Concludes California Talc Trial
James Parker · January 7, 2020
Johnson & Johnson and plaintiffs Linda and Mark O’Hagan reached a midtrial settlement without jury verdict, meaning the jury will not be given an opportunity to make a decision that considers the FDA's finding of asbestos in talcum powder.
Legal DevelopmentsMonsanto Loses $10 Million in Maui Pesticide Case
Emma Schkloven · December 17, 2019
Monsanto pleaded guilty to spraying illegal pesticides in Maui, Hawaii, and has agreed to pay $10 million in charges.
Legal DevelopmentsLos Angeles Jury Rules in Favor of Johnson & Johnson in Talc Mesothelioma Lawuit
James Parker · December 17, 2019
A jury in Los Angeles found Johnson & Johnson is not liable for causing Pui "Amy" Fong's mesothelioma, deciding its Baby Powder product was not defective nor a substantial threat.
Legal DevelopmentsWomen Sue Allergan for Concealing Breast Implant Cancer Risk
Nicole Knight · December 6, 2019
Six women have filed a complaint alleging the manufacturer Allergan intentionally hid possible breast implant safety risks.
Legal DevelopmentsCalifornia Wildfires Spark Legal and Political Battles for PG&E
Nicole Knight · December 5, 2019
PG&E, the power provider implicated in the recent California wildfires, now faces legal action by the state.
Legal DevelopmentsIn 3 Months, 20,000 More Plaintiffs Claim Roundup Caused Cancer
Emma Schkloven · November 26, 2019
The number of plaintiffs claiming Roundup caused their cancer has more than doubled to 42,700 in the last three months.
Legal DevelopmentsMaui Families File Suit Against Monsanto for Chemical Exposure
Emma Schkloven · November 19, 2019
Two families in Maui, Hawaii, have filed a lawsuit against Monsanto, claiming the company’s use of pesticides and chemicals led to birth defects in their newborns.
Legal DevelopmentsDoctor and Accomplice Charged in Transvaginal Mesh Surgery Scheme
Nicole Knight · November 14, 2019
A doctor and his consultant face multiple charges after tricking transvaginal mesh patients into getting unnecessary surgery.
Legal DevelopmentsBirth Defects in Zofran Litigation Disputed, Despite Evidence Removed
James Parker · November 13, 2019
Recent litigation on Zofran has called into question expert testimony, which was removed from the evidence indicating that Zofran causes birth defects when used by pregnant women. Drug manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline denies that causation of complications beyond heart defects and cleft palate can be proved. Though five cases were removed from the compilation of suits against GSK, the court proceedings wage on -- calling into question whether or not GSK should be required to update their product labeling with an adequate warning.
Legal DevelopmentsRiegel v. Medtronic: How the Landmark Case Limits Patient Rights
Carah Wertheimer · October 17, 2019
In 2008, a complex case set a legal precedent that dictates how Class III medical devices are approached. It's the landmark Supreme Court ruling, known as Riegel v. Medtronic, that changed everything. Now, those harmed by Class III medical devices struggle to seek legal recourse.
Legal DevelopmentsJohnson & Johnson Reached $20.4 Million Settlement With Ohio Counties in Landmark Opioid Case
Tess Francke · October 9, 2019
Johnson & Johnson reached a $20.4 million settlement with Cuyahoga and Summit counties in Ohio. The company resolves all claims by the counties without admission of liability.
Legal DevelopmentsJudge Orders J&J to Pay $572 Million to Remediate Opioid Damages in Oklahoma
Tess Francke · September 5, 2019
After a nearly two-month trial, Judge Thad Balkman of Cleveland County District Court ruled Johnson & Johnson had intentionally played down the dangers and oversold the benefits of opioids. The company will pay $572 million for the community destruction caused by prescription painkillers.
Legal DevelopmentsThe EPA Will Not Ban a Pesticide That Can Harm Kids’ Brains
Nicole Knight · August 28, 2019
The EPA has decided not to ban the pesticide chlorpyrifos despite evidence that the chemical harms children's brains. It is relevant to note that Dow Chemical, manufacturer of the chemical, donated significantly to the Trump administration's inaugural events.
Legal DevelopmentsSeven Plaintiffs Refile J&J Talc Lawsuit to Prosecute Claire's and Others
James Parker · August 1, 2019
Judge George H. Wu of California granted case dismissal to seven plaintiffs in a talc lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson for their failure to label talc products. The plaintiffs will refile - adding more cases to their complaint and holding other companies liable.
Legal DevelopmentsMarketing Tactics Mislead Consumers, Says Latest Testimony Against J&J Mesh
James Parker · July 31, 2019
In the latest transvaginal mesh trial, led by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, expert testimony speaks to the way Johnson & Johnson's advertisements mislead consumers. Surgeon Margolis believes their mesh causes "substantial, significant, irreversible damage," despite consumer-friendly ads.
Legal Developments$2 Billion Verdict Reduced in Roundup Cancer Case
Lauren Styx · July 29, 2019
In May, a jury awarded the amount of $2 billion in punitive damages and $55 million in compensatory damages to a California couple who developed cancer after years of exposure to Roundup weedkiller. Last week, the California judge significantly reduced the award in this historic Roundup cancer case.
Legal DevelopmentsOklahoma Opioid Trial Reveals Johnson & Johnson Pushed Opioids
James Parker · June 25, 2019
Oklahoma's latest opioid trial revealed that Johnson & Johnson pressured doctors to sell "more and more opioids." During proceedings, It also came to light that J&J heavily profited from its two subsidiaries Noramco and Tasmanian Alkaloids - major players in U.S. opioid epidemic.
Legal DevelopmentsGuardians Act Would Require Doctors to File Adverse Event Reports
Nicole Knight · June 4, 2019
A new bill was introduced in the House of Representatives, inspired by Dr. Amy Reed whose cancer was spread by a medical device called a power morcellator. The Medical Device Guardians Act would require doctors to report unsafe devices to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Legal DevelopmentsOklahoma Begins Historic Opioid Trial Against Johnson & Johnson
Emma Schkloven · May 31, 2019
The trial will determine if Johnson & Johnson used deceptive marketing to downplay the risks of opioid painkillers, contributing to the public health crisis that has reportedly claimed the lives of 4,600 Oklahoma residents.
Legal DevelopmentsOpioid Link Has Sackler Family Donations Declined By Museums
S. Nicole Lane · May 23, 2019
The Sackler family has profited for years from their personal connections to Purdue Pharma amid the opioid crisis. Now, esteemed museums like the Met, Tate Modern, and the Guggenheim decline the Sackler Family Donations following public backlash.
Legal DevelopmentsJ&J Mesothelioma Talc Verdict in New York May Exceed $25 Million
James Parker · May 22, 2019
A New York jury issued a $25 million verdict against J&J for its part in causing a 66-year-old woman's asbestos-related cancer. The woman, Donna Olson, used J&J's talc products for decades.
Legal DevelopmentsMonsanto to Pay $2 Billion to California Couple in Latest Roundup Case
Lauren Styx · May 20, 2019
Last Monday, in the most recent of three similar Roundup case verdicts, a California jury ruled in favor of couple Alva and Alberta Pilliod. The couple claimed that long-term exposure Roundup on their Northern California property caused severe health issues.
Legal DevelopmentsMonsanto Held Liable for Cereal Farmer's Sickness in France
Nicole Knight · April 30, 2019
A French court sided with a cereal farmer who claimed Monsanto’s Lasso weedkiller made him sick, claiming the product’s label inadequately warned him of its risks.
Legal DevelopmentsPurdue Settles for $270 Million in Oklahoma's Opioid Crisis
James Parker · April 17, 2019
The state of Oklahoma and Purdue Pharmaceuticals have agreed to a $270 million settlement to help combat the crippling issue of opioid addiction in rural America.
Legal DevelopmentsSecond Jury Links Roundup to Cancer, $80 Million Verdict
Carah Wertheimer · March 30, 2019
Today the jury ordered Monsanto to pay $80 million in damages for 70-year-old Edwin Hardeman’s non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, who sprayed his 56-acre property with Roundup for 26 years.
Legal DevelopmentsSan Francisco Jury Calls Roundup a "Substantial Factor" in Cancer Case
Carah Wertheimer · March 21, 2019
In the recent Monsanto Roundup trial, six jurors in a San Francisco federal court unanimously decided that Roundup (glyphosate), the world’s most widely-used herbicide, was likely a “substantial factor” in causing Edwin Hardeman's non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Legal Developments3 Legal Cases Fighting Dangerous Products in 2019
Carah Wertheimer · March 7, 2019
Johnson & Johnson's talcum powder, Monsanto's Roundup and the chilling opioid crisis have recently been in the headlines as legal teams attempt to get justice for thousands of injured individuals. Here's our breakdown of the top three legal cases to watch in 2019.
Legal DevelopmentsBiologist Testified on Talc in Dying Woman's Lungs in California Trial
Nicole Knight · March 4, 2019
A biologist testified that asbestos in talcum powder was found in a dying woman's lungs, according to a recent California jury trial.
Legal DevelopmentsNew Talcum Powder Warning Label Case in California
Carah Wertheimer · February 6, 2019
Johnson & Johnson's legal troubles have taken a new turn, now focused on the talcum powder warning label. Under California's Proposition 65, companies must issue warnings if products expose customers to known cancer-causing agents.
Legal DevelopmentsMonsanto Verdict Reduced to $78.5 Million, Chemo Brain May Affect Second Trial
Nicole Knight · November 5, 2018
A California judge has chopped a landmark $289-million jury verdict. The Monsanto Roundup verdict now sits at $78.5 million.
Legal DevelopmentsWhat Happened in the First Trial Linking Monsanto's Roundup to Lymphoma
Nicole Knight · September 24, 2018
Johnson, who received a favorable $289-million verdict, claimed Monsanto had long known of the cancer risks of glyphosate but failed to warn consumers of the dangers.
Legal Developments22 Women Win Talcum Powder Cancer Case
James Parker · August 16, 2018
A Missouri jury awarded $4.69 billion to compensate women who reportedly developed talcum powder ovarian cancer, delivering the largest product-defect verdict in U.S. history.
Legal DevelopmentsHalf the Nation Unites Against Opioid Manufacturer
James Parker · July 6, 2018
In a crackdown attempt to fight the opioid crisis, 26 states are taking legal action against a major OxyContin manufacturer.
Legal DevelopmentsTexas Firefighter Awarded $1.2 Million for Failed Blood Clot Filter
Ashley Lombardo · July 4, 2018
A Houston firefighter who claimed a Cook Celect IVC filter caused him serious pain and injuries has been awarded $1.2 million by a Texas state jury.
Legal Developments$28 Million Xarelto Verdict Draws Attention to U.S. Bleeding Risk
Ashley Lombardo · December 15, 2017
An Indiana woman was awarded a million-dollar Xarelto verdict after she developed GI bleeds without knowing the risks.
Legal DevelopmentsWhat the Arrest of Billionaire John Kapoor Means for Opioid Dependency
Ashley Lombardo · November 1, 2017
Pharma executive John Kapoor was arrested for pushing doctors to prescribe a powerful narcotic opioid known as Subsys.
Legal DevelopmentsMonsanto Lawsuit Debate Over Roundup's Link to Cancer Continues
Ashley Lombardo · October 18, 2017
Lawyers continue to debate allegations that glyphosate, the main ingredient in Monsanto's herbicide Roundup, can cause cancer.
Legal DevelopmentsDoes Baby Powder Contain Asbestos?
Ashley Lombardo · October 11, 2017
Concerns over talcum powder's link to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma have left courts in St. Louis asking if baby powder contains asbestos.
Legal DevelopmentsTaxotere Lawsuits More Than Double in 2017
Ashley Lombardo · September 13, 2017
The number of Taxotere lawsuits pending in federal court has more than doubled in 2017, almost tripling since 2016.
Legal DevelopmentsJury Awards $417M in California Talcum Powder Lawsuit
Ashley Lombardo · August 22, 2017
A Los Angeles jury on Monday awarded a record $417 million in damages in a talcum powder lawsuit brought by a California woman.
Legal DevelopmentsMaker Of Benicar Agrees To Pay Up To $300M In Settlements
Ashley Lombardo · August 18, 2017
The cases stem from accusations that the manufacturer failed to warn the public about the severe side effects of Benicar and related drugs.
Legal DevelopmentsJudge Consolidates Invokana Lawsuits In New Jersey
Ashley Lombardo · February 13, 2017
On Dec. 7, 2016, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered the cases be joined into a multidistrict legislation (MDL). More than 50 Invokana lawsuits related to the controversial diabetes drug have been consolidated in a U.S. District Court of New Jersey.
Legal DevelopmentsNew Jersey Court Awards $11 Million Mesh Settlement to Survivor
Ashley Lombardo · January 16, 2017
A New Jersey court awarded a mesh settlement more than $11 million to a South Dakota nurse surviving transvaginal mesh complications.
Legal DevelopmentsBristol-Myers Squibb Pays $19 Million in Multistate Settlement for Abilify’s Illegal Marketing
Ashley Lombardo · December 14, 2016
In a $19 million Abilify settlement, Bristol-Myers Squibb was found guilty of illegally marketed the antipsychotic for unapproved uses.
Legal DevelopmentsBayer Sued for Bleeding and Cramping Side Effects Linked to Essure
Ashley Lombardo · October 21, 2016
Plaintiffs have filed against Bayer AG for hiding dangers linked to the medical device Essure. The Essure lawsuit includes multiple charges.
Legal DevelopmentsGlaxoSmithKline Paid $3 Billion in Largest Fraud Settlement
Ashley Lombardo · October 12, 2016
GlaxoSmithKline was found guilty of off-label ads, hiding safety data and faulty price reporting in a billion-dollar drug fraud settlement.
Legal DevelopmentsWoman Takes Action Against Taxotere for Hair Loss Side Effect
Ashley Lombardo · October 3, 2016
Manufacturers didn't inform patients about the chemotherapy drug Taxotere's permanent hair loss risk. Ami Dodson took action and filed a lawsuit.
Legal DevelopmentsLegal System Works for Young Boy Who Developed Breasts
Ashley Lombardo · August 24, 2016
The legal system awarded $70 million to a 5-year-old boy who developed breasts in a Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit.
Legal DevelopmentsJudge Supports Survivor of Talcum Powder Cancer With $55 Million
Ashley Lombardo · May 11, 2016
A St. Louis judge awarded $55 million to Gloria Ristesund, a woman who reportedly developed ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson's talcum powder products for decades. The lawsuit is the second of its kind as 1,200 women plan to take action against Johnson & Johnson in the talc trials.
Legal Developments