Torts

Johnson & Johnson Faces Setback as Bankruptcy Court Rejects Talc Claims, Igniting Torts Debate

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BASKING RIDGE, N.J. — Johnson & Johnson faces another setback as a bankruptcy court ruling has dismissed an attempt to shield the company from thousands of lawsuits related to claims that its talc-based products cause cancer. The decision is the latest development in a series of legal challenges that have plagued the health care giant for years. In a significant ruling, the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas determined that J&J’s previous legal maneuver—filing for bankruptcy under a subsidiary—did not provide adequate protection for the company against lawsuits brought by individuals alleging injuries … Read more

Faegre Drinker Strengthens West Coast Team with Tom Pack’s Expertise in Product Liability and Mass Torts

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SAN FRANCISCO — Faegre Drinker has welcomed Tom Pack as a partner in its product liability and mass torts practice, significantly enhancing its San Francisco office’s capacity in this critical area of law. Pack’s appointment follows recent expansions in the firm’s West Coast operations, including the addition of former federal prosecutor Carolyn Fitzhugh McNiven in the fall and attorney Heather Burke earlier this year. With his extensive experience, Pack is expected to strengthen the firm’s product liability capabilities as it seeks to grow its presence in California. In his role, Pack will represent life sciences … Read more

Legal Luminary Samir D. Parikh to Lead National Discussions on Mass Torts and Bankruptcy Restructuring in 2024 Symposium

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Chicago, Illinois — Samir D. Parikh, a prominent figure in legal scholarship, specializes in business law and bankruptcy issues, with a comprehensive focus that includes mass tort restructurings, fraudulent transfer law, and the complexities of municipal distress. His expertise has positioned him as a leading voice in discussions surrounding corporate accountability and financial reconstruction. Parikh’s contributions to the legal field have gained national recognition, particularly in the areas of mass torts and business reorganizations. In 2024, he will co-organize the Cornell Law Review’s symposium titled “Mass Torts Inferno: New Battle Lines in the Resolution Debate.” … Read more

Texas Federal Courts Experience Torts Litigation Surge, Surpassing New York and Highlighting Key Trends in 2024

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HOUSTON – A recent study reveals that from 2022 to 2024, the Southern District of Texas ranked second in federal tort lawsuits, trailing only Mississippi’s Southern District. The findings, outlined in the 2025 Torts Litigation Report by Lex Machina, indicate a notable increase in tort litigation across U.S. federal courts. The report highlights a nearly 20 percent rise in federal tort filings between the 2023-2024 and 2021-2022 periods. Contributing factors include larger jury awards, simplified processes for moving cases to federal courts, and stagnant insurance coverage limits that have not adjusted for inflation. Ron Porter, … Read more