A federal judge has appointed Nashville products liability attorney David Randolph Smith to the steering committee in a multi-district litigation against breast implant manufacturer Allergan, amid accusations that Allergan’s implants cause a dangerous form of cancer.
The litigation arises from numerous lawsuits alleging that Allergan’s textured implants can cause BIA-ALCL, a type of lymphoma, in unsuspecting patients. There have been hundreds of reported cases of BIA-ALCL worldwide, and 34 known fatalities caused by the disease. Many diagnoses have lead plaintiffs across the United States to sue Allergan, on behalf of themselves or loved ones suffering from the cancer.
Four such suits were centralized in New Jersey earlier this year to streamline the litigation process. Centralization of litigation occurs when multiple suits are brought against a defendant for the same cause of action, and the suits are consolidated under one district court and presiding judge. In this case, the resulting multi-district litigation will be heard by Judge Brian Martinotti of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
In an order released earlier this week, Judge Martinotti established the leadership positions of key attorneys with an interest in the litigation. Judge Martinotti appointed attorneys as either co-lead counsel or members of the executive, steering, or settlement committees.
Nashville attorney David Randolph Smith, who filed a separate complaint against Allergan earlier this year, will serve on the steering committee for this litigation. The steering committee consists of attorneys whose expertise, knowledge, and seasoned experience puts them in a position to guide the litigation through its many complex stages.
Mr. Smith currently represents a plaintiff who lost his wife to BIA-ALCL last November. She had received Allergan implants on two separate occasions.
If you or a loved one has suffered from BIA-ALCL as a result of textured breast implants, call the Nashville BIA-ALCL attorneys at David Randolph Smith & Associates for a free consultation.
