Actos Lawsuits: Partner A.J. De Bartolomeo Named to Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee
July 2, 2013
Ms. A.J. De Bartolomeo, a partner at Gibbs Law Group, was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for the Actos Multidistrict Litigation by Judge Rebecca F. Doherty. The Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee is responsible for making strategic decisions that affect the execution and administration of a large scale lawsuit, such as the Actos litigation, which involves hundreds, if not thousands, of plaintiffs from across the country.
Actos Multidistrict Litigation Established in Louisiana
Individuals who have been diagnosed with bladder cancer after taking the anti-diabetes drug Actos have filed, and continue to file, lawsuits against Actos manufacturer Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
Mass tort cases, such as the Actos litigation, which involve a common issue of fact or law are often consolidated in a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) so that pre-trial discovery (i.e., the process to uncover evidence) and procedural motions are in front of one judge. Creating an MDL allows for economy in litigation, such as streamlining trial preparation, while preserving the right of each plaintiff to have his or her case treated individually and evaluated on its own merits.
For Actos litigation in federal court, In Re: Actos (Pioglitazone) Products Liability Litigation, or MDL No. 2299, was established in the Western District of Louisiana with Judge Rebecca F. Doherty presiding. “I am honored to be working alongside such a reputable and talented group of trial attorneys,” Ms. De Bartolomeo said of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee. Ms. De Bartolomeo and her team of Actos lawyers are actively involved in this coordinated Actos litigation as well as the individual cases that continue to be filed. The first federal trial is currently scheduled for the end of January 2014. “We intend to show that Takeda Pharmaceuticals knew about the risks associated with Actos, yet it failed to inform patients of the increased risk of bladder cancer when taking Actos,” according to Ms. De Bartolomeo.
Injured by Actos?
If you or a loved one contracted bladder cancer after taking the anti-diabetes drug Actos, contact one of our Actos attorneys for a free consultation. Fill out the form to the right or by calling 1-800-254-9493; all consultations are free and confidential.