Zoloft Birth Defects Lawsuit Update: Latest Developments in Pennsylvania Zoloft MDL

By October 1, 2013March 15th, 2022Pharmaceutical litigation, Zoloft

SSRI Antidpressant Zoloft Birth Defects LitigationThe latest development to come out of the Zoloft birth defects multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania involves a back and forth between the plaintiffs and the federal judge handling the MDL. Their discussion involves discovery pool and trial pool case selections.

U.S. District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe is presiding over the Zoloft MDL. In late August, she submitted a trial pool selection guideline. In early September, the plaintiffs filed an objection of Judge Rufe’s selection guidelines, taking issue with the defendants’ ability to remove cases from the discovery pool.

The plaintiffs requested that Judge Rufe update her protocol so that the defendants are unable to remove, or strike, cases from the discovery pool submitted by the same plaintiffs’ legal counsel. The plaintiffs made this request on the basis of maintaining a variety of cases in the initial discovery pool, especially as it pertains to the plaintiffs’ legal counsel.

In the court document about this matter, Judge Rufe stated that the selection process for the discovery and trial pools should not involve reference to the plaintiffs’ legal counsel, as this does not necessarily provide a representative case.

The goal in selecting cases for the discovery and trial pools is to find a representative case suitable for a bellwether trial that supports an efficient legal process, and will aid in post-trial settlement.

Ultimately, Judge Rufe came to the conclusion that the defendants cannot remove two cases from the discovery pool whose plaintiffs are represented by the same legal counsel.

Carey Danis & Lowe Zoloft birth defects lawyers are keeping a watchful eye on the Zoloft MDL as it inches closer and closer to the bellwether trial process. Above all, the multidistrict litigation process makes for an efficient legal process. In regards to the most recent court filing in the Zoloft birth defects MDL, Carey Danis & Lowe hopes that the latest ruling is in keeping with this core purpose.

Carey Danis & Lowe is currently accepting Zoloft birth defects cases. Contact Carey Danis & Lowe today for a free legal consultation about your case, and to determine if you and your family are be eligible for compensation. Our Zoloft attorneys can also assist in filing Zoloft birth defects lawsuits.

If you have questions about Zoloft birth defects, voice your questions and concerns to one of our on-staff nurses.

Share your Zoloft birth defects story with Carey Danis & Lowe by calling 800.721.2519, or by submitting a personal injury claim form.