Drug and Device Cases Are Going Strong Despite the Coronavirus

At Trammell PC, we are involved in litigating an array of mass torts—lawsuits that bring together many people who were injured by the same drug or device. Like many other facets of American life, processes related to mass torts have seen some changes since the rise of the novel coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of those changes may alter how or when injured people’s voices are heard—but none are serious enough to prevent us from pursuing justice.

Slower Cases?

In the early days of the pandemic, when nobody in the federal or state court systems was prepared for this, some cases were delayed.

For example, in the litigation over Bard hernia mesh, trials in Ohio federal court were originally planned for May and June. However, due to the coronavirus, the court issued an order in March moving the first trials to July and September. After the parties expressed their worries about the travel required to hold a trial in July and the effect of the pandemic on juries, the court issued another order in April moving the first trial to September.

The coronavirus threatened to also delay the multidistrict litigation over injuries from Zantac (ranitidine). In March, the South Florida federal court handling that litigation canceled a conference out of concern about whether it was safe to travel. That meeting was ultimately held via videoconference.

What Does This Mean for Injured People?

As the Zantac litigation demonstrates, we are all learning to adapt to the new environment that COVID-19 has created. Luckily, with the help of platforms like Zoom, we have been able to adjust so that our client meetings, hearings, and depositions continue to move forward as planned. While what will happen with jury trials is yet to be seen, we have confidence that we will continue to grow and adapt to this new environment.

Where Should I Go for Help?

If you or someone in your family was seriously injured after taking a medication or using a device you thought you could trust, contact us today for a free consultation. You can reach us through our website or call toll-free at 1-800-405-1740.

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