Philadelphia, PA — Discussing key trends and developments in class action litigation, the latest episode of “Class Action Weekly Wire” produced by Duane Morris, sheds light on the 2025 edition of the Products Liability & Mass Torts Class Action Review. This discussion prominently features Duane Morris partner Jerry Maatman along with senior associates Anne Gruner and Betty Luu. Their discourse delves deeply into the intricate legal terrain shaped by recent pivotal class actions, especially those regarding opioid and PFAS litigation.
In their podcast, available across multiple streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, the trio provides an expert breakdown of the year’s significant rulings and emerging legal challenges. During the episode, Maatman highlights the structure of the review, designed to benefit companies navigating complex compliance landscapes influenced by evolving standards and laws.
The conversation reveals insights into court trends, particularly around challenging motions for class certification. Luu points out that in 2024, such motions saw a balanced outcome with half approved and half denied, indicating a shift from previous years where approvals were more common. She illustrates how the facts specific to each case, such as labeling disputes, significantly impact these decisions, with personal health histories often playing a crucial role.
Turning their focus to specific types of litigation, Gruner delves into opioid lawsuits, which have been integrating massive settlements and contentious legal debates over accountability. She emphasizes cases against manufacturers accused of downplaying the risk of addiction, contributing to widespread public health crises. One ongoing judicial review involves a $650 million penalty against pharmacies, with its validity currently under scrutiny by the Ohio Supreme Court. Moreover, the bankruptcy proceedings of Purdue Pharma have been particularly meaningful, with Supreme Court decisions in 2024 affirming that bankruptcy protection doesn’t extend to non-debtor third parties like the Sackler family, allowing future lawsuits to proceed against them directly.
Maatman also introduces discussions on PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” referring to their enduring environmental impact and the federal actions to set drinking water limits, which have spurred extensive litigation. The segment outlines the consolidation of over 300 lawsuits into a multifaceted multi-district litigation (MDL) in South Carolina concerning contamination and associated health risks.
Throughout the discussion, all participants stress the importance of staying informed about these evolving legal spaces. They remark on the substantial settlements within PFAS litigation, noting the billions in payments over the past year and how these figures reflect the increasing financial stakes in class action lawsuits.
Concluding their discussion, they express gratitide to their listeners and emphasize the educational intent of their review, aiming to aid legal professionals and companies in grappling with the nuanced domains of product liability and mass torts.
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