Pfizer Seeks Multidistrict Litigation Regarding Zoloft in Pennsylvania

Counsel for Pfizer, the manufacturer of Zoloft, has filed a motion with the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation requesting that 59 Zoloft birth defects lawsuits be consolidated for pretrial proceedings. The cases, filed in Pennsylvania state court by plaintiffs from New York, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania, were first removed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Pfizer’s counsel argued that the plaintiffs “created an artificial concentration of cases in Pennsylvania” by joining a second defendant, Wolters Kluwer Health, a Pennsylvania-based health information resources corporation, with Pfizer. The plaintiffs allege that Wolters Kluwer Health “was negligent in the publication of the risks and benefits of using Zoloft during pregnancy in its patient education monographs.” The chief complaint of those who filed Zoloft lawsuits is that birth defects were caused in children born to mothers who took the drug while pregnant.

What is Multidistrict Litigation?

Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) is an option that allows for greater efficiency when handling numerous lawsuits by different plaintiffs against one defendant or a common group of defendants. Unlike a class action lawsuit, MDL does not distribute equal damages to all parties involved; instead, it consolidates all pretrial disclosures and eliminates the possibility of inconsistent pretrial rulings by multiple judges. In effect, MDL speeds up the litigation process for all involved, and gives plaintiffs the ability to maintain their individual lawsuits to take their cases to trial separately if they choose to do so.

Pfizer has requested the Southern District of New York as the forum for MDL proceedings, claiming that it is the most convenient location for both sides, since it is where Pfizer is headquartered, and easily accessible to “plaintiffs and counsel … already scattered around the country.” Moreover, the Southern District of New York has the most experience dealing with MDL proceedings, having handled more than 100 between 1977 and 2010. The company requested alternative MDL choices of the Northern District of Mississippi, the Southern District of Mississippi, or the Northern District of Ohio if the first choice of the Southern District of New York is not granted.

“The pending Zoloft litigation represents a small number of cases among millions of patients, including pregnant women, who were prescribed the medicine for the treatment of depression and other serious and often debilitating psychiatric conditions,” Pfizer said in a statement. “There is extensive science supporting the safety and efficacy of Zoloft, and the medicine carries accurate, science-based and FDA-approved information on its benefits and risks.”

Pregnant Women Should Consult with Their Physicians About Depression Treatments

Antidepressants like Zoloft might be effective treatments for depression when the health of an unborn child is not a consideration. Pregnant women should weigh the risks and benefits of taking antidepressants with their physician to determine the best course of treatment for their depression symptoms.

Protect Your Rights as a Consumer

If you were prescribed Zoloft while pregnant, took the medication as directed, and gave birth to a child with birth defects you believe resulted from taking an antidepressant, you have rights as a consumer. The Rottenstein Law Group’s lawyers have over 25 years of collective experience advocating for individuals in consumer product injury and mass tort cases. They can help obtain compensation for pain and suffering and unforeseen medical costs. If you feel you have a zoloft birth defects lawsuit, the attorneys at the Rottenstein Law Group can help. For a free consultation with an RLG attorney please fill out this brief contact form or call 1-877-471-8940.