Yesterday, the federal judge in charge of the multidistrict litigation by users of Philips recalled CPAP, Bi-Level PAP and mechanical ventilators has appointed two men and two women to serve as co-lead counsel after interviewing more than 75 candidates for the position. 10 were appointed to a leadership development committee aimed at promoting lawyers who are younger or less experienced in multidistrict litigation. The plaintiffs’ leadership team includes 18 women and 8 attorneys of color.
Senior U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti in Pittsburgh chose Sandra Duggan of Levin Sedran & Berman, Kelly Iverson of Lynch Carpenter, Steven Schwartz of Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith and Christopher Seeger of Seeger Weiss to lead the litigation.
The Philips MDL involves more than 150 lawsuits alleging that CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) and other breathing machines recalled by Philips on June 14 of last year caused various cancers. The cases include class actions and personal injury lawsuits, as well as medical monitoring claims.
“We have the privilege to represent purchasers and users of the recalled Philips devices and look forward to marshaling our efforts on behalf of these plaintiffs and to working with the stellar group of lawyers appointed by Judge Conti.” Kelly Iverson, Lynch Carpenter Partner and Co-Lead Counsel.
Trial has not yet been scheduled, however, last month, Philips predicted the recall would affect 5.2 million devices worldwide. We will continue to update the public as new information becomes available. Read the full article here.