Federal Judge Halts National Elmiron Class Action; Multidistrict Litigation to Continue

A federal judge has recently decided against allowing a national class action lawsuit for individuals claiming harm from the drug Elmiron, though the legal challenges will continue under multidistrict litigation (MDL). This decision reflects the complex landscape of mass litigation cases where thousands seek justice for alleged wrongs committed by corporations or manufacturers. Elmiron, a prescription drug used for treating bladder pain, has been at the center of legal scrutiny after patients reported experiencing vision problems allegedly linked to the medication. The lawsuits demand accountability from the manufacturers, claiming that the risks were not properly … Read more

Tom Davis Joins Epiq as Chief of Staff, Bolstering Fraud Prevention in Class Action Division

New York, Sept 18, 2024 — Epiq, a global leader in legal services and technology, has bolstered its team with a new high-profile hire, Tom Davis, who has been appointed as Chief of Staff for the company’s Class Action, Remediation, and Mass Tort business unit. Davis brings extensive experience from previous executive roles in operations and fraud prevention, crucial for navigating the complex landscapes of class action settlements. Previously associated with Garden City Group (GCG), a former industry frontrunner in class action administration acquired by Epiq in 2018, Davis is well-versed in the intricacies that … Read more

Class Action Attorneys Contest New Draft Rule Said to Conflate Key Legal Practices in Multidistrict Litigation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Legal professionals specializing in class action lawsuits are rallying for significant amendments to a proposed regulation concerning multidistrict litigation (MDL). They argue that the draft rule, designed to streamline early-stage litigation for cases consolidated from different jurisdictions, does not adequately distinguish between mass torts and class actions. These litigators claim the rule could disrupt long-established best practices for managing class-related MDLs. The proposed changes, which underwent scrutiny by the judiciary’s Advisory Committee on Civil Rules earlier this year, aim primarily to aid judges new to MDL responsibilities. By pushing lawyers to agree … Read more

Behind the Scenes: How Private Equity is Powering Class Action Lawsuits in Consumer Markets

New York — Beneath the surface of America’s legal landscape, a less-visible financial engine is driving many of today’s high-profile class action lawsuits, particularly those involving product liability. This burgeoning sector, known as private equity, has been stealthily investing in litigation, which has been profoundly changing the dynamics of how legal claims are pursued in the United States. Historically, funding for such lawsuits typically came from the plaintiffs themselves or their attorneys, working on a contingency basis. However, in recent times, private equity firms have begun to see litigation funding as a lucrative investment opportunity. … Read more