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Emerging MDLs: Growing Pains and Growing Numbers from Legalcalls.com by Attorney Jeff Keiser.

Mass tort filings continued to rise in 2024, with some cases seeing explosive growth. The Hair Relaxer litigation now includes over 8,000 claims alleging links to ovarian and uterine cancers. The Paraquat litigation, tied to Parkinson's disease, has reached 5,825 cases. Bard PowerPort cases surged from 150 at the beginning of the year to nearly 900 by January 2025, centered on claims of device fractures and migrations.

LegalCalls might be the single most experienced case originator for Paraquat. Over the past 3 years we've generated thousands of cases and our quality control process is second to none. We have outstanding references - contact us or book a meeting to find out more.

Upcoming bellwether trials will provide critical guidance for these and other cases. The Baby Formula litigation is slated to kick off its first trial in May 2025, while Paragard IUD cases will take the stage in December.

The Exactech Orthopedic Products litigation will debut its first trial in June, and BioZorb Medical Device litigation isn't far behind, starting in July. Covidien Hernia Mesh cases are on track for late 2025, with a big deadline looming in May for plaintiff selection.

Key Takeaways: Strategy, Timing, and Some Patience

For plaintiff attorneys, 2024 was a masterclass in perseverance. From billion-dollar settlements to painstakingly slow administrative processes, the year highlighted the importance of strategy, client preparation, and adaptability.

As 2025 gets underway, attorneys have a chance to solidify their position in these litigations. With bellwether trials, settlements, and new case filings on the horizon, it's clear this year will be just as action-packed. For those in the trenches, the work is hard, but the rewards—justice for clients and substantial settlements—make every day worth it.

Related Roundup - Going Beyond the Core Mass Tort News

The MDL for Depo Provera has been formed.

On February 7, 2025, the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued a transfer order consolidating the birth control shot lawsuits into federal court in the Northern District of Florida as an MDL.

MCTLaw and Miller Zois are on top of the story. MCTLaw has posted the text of the transfer order here.

Hair Straightener - Judge orders 40 bellwether cases to be selected for trial

Saiontz and Kirk are reporting that The U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland has called for the parties to select a total of 40 bellwether claims, which will be prepared for a series of early trial dates to help gauge how juries may respond to certain evidence and testimony that may be repeated throughout the litigation.

The cases will be selected from over 6,500 uterine cancer lawsuits, endometrial cancer lawsuits and ovarian cancer lawsuits brought by former users of popular hair relaxer products, including Just For Me, Dark & Lovely, Optimum and others.

Purdue Pharma to Pay $7.4 Billion to Settle Thousands of Opioid-Related Lawsuits

JD Supra is reporting that New York AG Letitia James, along with a bipartisan coalition of 15 other state AGs and additional parties, has reached a settlement in principle with members of the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma, Inc.

The AGs statement is here

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Craig H. Alinder, Vice President

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