(EMAILWIRE.COM, April 13, 2008 ) The Mass Tort Update is a distilled video publication of the most important events affecting Mass Tort Litigation as they unfold. The information contained in the update comes from a variety of sources including news, government notifications, legal publications and conversations and correspondence with practicing attorneys from around the country.

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http://www.cprlaw.com/mtu2008.cfm

W.R. Grace Announces 3 Billion Dollar Settlement

By: Chris Placitella
W. R. Grace just announced that people who claim they were injured by asbestos in products manufactured by W.R. Grace & Co. could receive a combined $3 billion under a proposed settlement. Grace was the manufacturer of a popular asbestos containing fire proofing insulation used throughout the United states. In recent years, Grace has been embroiled in litigation involving the Libby Mine which it owned and operated.

Federal Court Awards 356 Million in Attorneys Fees in Diet Drug Case

By: Chris Placitella
As part of a 125 page decision, Federal Judge, Harvey Bartels awarded 356 million dollars in attorneys fees to attorneys that performed common benefit work in the National Diet Drug litigation involving the drug combination Phen Fen. This award is in addition to an earlier interim fee award. The fee will be divided between a large number of law firms that worked in both the state and federal courts. I was fortunate to be part of the original negotiating team to put together the multi billion dollar settlement. Congratulations to all who worked so hard to achieve a great result for their clients..


Third Circuit Finds Preemption in SSRI Case
By: Chris Placitella
In a , 2-1 split decision the Third Circuit held that when the FDA holds hearings on a particular safety risk at issue and affirmatively decides no warning should be on the label such action preempts failure to warn cases brought under state common law. This of course is a blow to the plaintiffs which further highlights the drama expected to unfold when the US Supreme Court hands down the last of the preemption trilogy later this fall.


If you have news that you think would be helpful to others, please send to cplacitella@cprlaw.com

View this month's Issue at:
http://www.cprlaw.com/mtu2008.cfm

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