MDL Established for Zofran Birth Defect Lawsuits, Parker Waichman LLP Reports

Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of victims who have been injured by defective drugs and medical devices, comments that a multidistrict litigation (MDL) has been established for federal Zofran lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The case is In Re: Zofran Products Liability Litigation (MDL 2657). There are currently 12 lawsuits in the MDL, according to an October 13th Order issued by the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML). An additional 42 cases have been deemed as eligible as potential tag-along actions in this matter.

Parker Waichman comments that GlaxoSmithKline is facing lawsuits alleging that Zofran caused birth defects in children whose mothers took the drug while pregnant. “The firm has been contacted by a number of clients who are concerned about whether Zofran is to blame for birth defects,” said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at the firm. “This MDL allows the litigation to be processed more efficiently.”

The firm comments that, in an MDL, lawsuits are consolidated before a single judge in one court. Processes such as discovery are conducted in common, making the litigation less complex and less time consuming. Bellwether trials may also be selected to predict how future trials will end up.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved the drug for nausea caused by chemotherapy or radiation treatment. In 2012, the company pled guilty to promoting the drug off-label for morning sickness. Zofran birth defects may include congenital heart defects and cleft palate, Parker Waichman comments.

Parker Waichman is currently offering free legal consultations to victims of Zofran Injuries. If your child suffered birth defects related to Zofran use, please contact the office by visiting the firm's website at yourlawyer.com. Free case evaluations are also available by calling 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).