Here is yet another update for the ongoing 3M Military Earplug Litigation. In our June 2022 update, we cover the most recent bellwether trials and how their outcomes may shape the rest of the litigation.
In this article, we look back to the top mass tort cases we covered in 2021 that will continue to develop in the new year, featuring updates on why Roundup's link to cancer is being reviewed by the US Supreme Court, why 2022 may bring with it additional Opioid settlements, J&J's continued battle against Talc liabilities, and the growing number of cases against 3M and other PFAS manufacturers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Beovu for treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on October 7, 2019. Less than one year later, it was discovered that Beovu caused some patients to suffer a rare and very serious inflammatory condition called retinal vasculitis or retinal vascular occlusion.
The Sackler family, the owners of Purdue, will likely escape criminal liability for their alleged involvement in this crisis. However, just last week, pharmacy giants Walgreens and Walmart were found liable in federal court for their contribution to the opioid abuse epidemic in two Ohio counties. This first-of-its-kind verdict could serve as a harbinger for thousands of cities and counties that blame the companies for their part in the nation’s opioid crisis.
After the June recall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially approved Philips’ plan to “repair and replace” the defective foam with a different silicone-based foam. However, during a manufacturing facility inspection, the FDA later found that the silicone-based foam used in a similar device marketed outside the United States had failed a safety test for the release of certain concerning chemicals. As a result, the FDA warned Philips that the replacement machines may also be defective.
Plaintiffs have prevailed in five of the previous seven bellwether trials, including a $7.1 million verdict in April in a three-plaintiff trial — mostly punitive damages, a $1.7 million win in June, and another victory in October that ended in an $8.2 million award. 3M beat the claims in the second and fifth trials, which ended in defense verdicts.