Zoloft MDL Schedules Status Conference

Federal lawsuits dealing with birth defects stemming from the popular antidepressant Zoloft were consolidated in a multidistrict litigation case in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on the 17^th of April, 2012. The first status conference, according to an order issued on the 4^th of May by presiding District Judge Cynthia M. Rowley, is scheduled for the 12^th of July, 2012. These lawsuits all have several things in common, including the defendant—Pfizer, the drug making giant responsible for the popular antidepressant Zoloft, which is an SSRI drug used in the treatment of general anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, and other relatively common psychological conditions. The lawsuits also all deal with Zoloft birth defects.

Birth defects common Zoloft lawsuit complaint

Thousands of parents have filed lawsuits across the country after mothers have given birth to children with serious birth defects as a result of their Zoloft use during pregnancy. In many cases, the mothers say they were led to believe that the drug was safe to use, and that they would never have taken it had they known of the risk of potential serious side effects associated with the medications. Their lawyers often claim that the drug makers didn’t adequately conduct clinical trials on the medication before releasing it to the pharmaceuticals market, nor did they adequately warn patients about the risk of these side effects.

The multidistrict litigation case was consolidated in order to streamline pretrial processes dealing with these lawsuits, which will help them be completed more quickly, getting plaintiffs settlements faster. When pretrial processes are completed, many of the lawsuits will be remanded, or sent back to the courts from which they came. At the initial meeting that was recently scheduled, it is likely that each party involved in the litigation will suggest procedures that will lead to the resolution of the litigation and help it move quickly and fairly.

Damages sought in Zoloft lawsuits

Plaintiffs who have filed a Zoloft lawsuit have a lot in common, including a desire for compensation that could cover the costs of their or their child’s past and future medical care. Inclusion in the federal multidistrict litigation case could really help to expedite the legal process for a number of plaintiffs. Studies backing up the claim that Zoloft use by pregnant women could cause birth defects are being cited in these lawsuits, and the combination of several Zoloft cases could help to strengthen the suits even more.

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