Key Developments in Major Legal Cases: Judge from 3M Earplug Suit to Manage Depo-Provera Litigation; Special Master Advocates No Fees for Roundup Lead Attorneys

Pensacola, FL – A federal judge in Florida, overseeing a high-profile lawsuit involving 3M’s combat earplugs, has now been appointed to manage a burgeoning legal case concerning the contraceptive injection Depo-Provera. This development marks a significant expansion in the judicial responsibilities of U.S. District Judge M. Casey Rodgers, who has gained attention for her rigorous handling of the multi-district litigation (MDL) cases. Judge Rodgers, recognized for her adept management of complex legal proceedings, will now oversee the Depo-Provera MDL, which addresses claims that the drug causes significant bone density loss. The plaintiffs in this case … Read more

End of 3M Earplug Litigation Leads to Significant Decline in Federal Lawsuits in 2024

The conclusion of the mass tort litigation involving 3M’s combat earplugs has noticeably influenced the volume of federal lawsuits, marking a significant trend as we enter 2024. The litigation, which saw thousands of U.S. military veterans suing the manufacturer over hearing damage, was one of the largest such cases in recent history. The mass proceeding concluded late last year, immediately impacting the statistics for pending cases across federal courts. Data from the U.S. federal court system shows a drastic reduction in the number of new lawsuits filed in the first quarter of 2024, with figures … Read more

3M Strikes $6 Billion Settlement in Historic Mass Tort Case Over Earplug Safety Claims

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota-based manufacturing behemoth 3M has agreed to a landmark $6 billion settlement to resolve a mass tort litigation involving its combat earplugs, marking this as possibly the largest case of its kind to date. The company announced that the settlement funds, to be paid between 2023 and 2029, will consist of $5 billion in cash and $1 billion in 3M common stock. Despite the agreement, 3M maintains that there has been no admission of liability, asserting that the products implicated in the lawsuit were safe and effective when used correctly. For … Read more

Chris Seeger Secures $6 Billion Settlement in 3M Earplug Litigation, Named 2024 MVP in Product Liability

Chris Seeger, founding partner of Seeger Weiss LLP, has cemented his place among the legal elite, securing major wins in three significant mass tort litigations. Notably, his role in achieving a monumental $6 billion global settlement in the case concerning allegedly defective 3M combat earplugs has been a defining moment in product liability law this year. Seeger’s legal prowess and dedication were critical in navigating through the complexities of these cases which involved substantial claims and large numbers of plaintiffs. His strategies not only brought relief to those affected but also set precedents in the … Read more