Tracey & Fox reports that a recent request from plaintiffs to centralize around 20 power morcellator lawsuits has been granted by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. This consolidation will help make pretrial proceedings more efficient for those involved, and is possible because of similarities between complaints in all of the included cases.
In general, allegations state that a power morcellator device, which is used in gynecological surgeries such as hysterectomies and myomectomies, actually spreads previously undetected cancer cells within the abdominal cavity, therefore significantly affecting the health of the patient.
The power morcellator works by entering the body in a minimally invasive way, through a small incision in the abdomen. Because it enables a much less invasive surgery, the technique was initially quite popular. Once inside the body, the morcellator breaks up fibroids or uterine tissue that has been deemed as problematic. When it tears apart the tissue, however, it can uncover cancer cells which physicians were not previously aware of. In tearing these cancerous cells up, and spreading the tissue around the body, it allegedly creates widespread, aggressive cancer in the victims.
Consolidated litigation is created to assist with adjudicating pretrial motions and discovery in a global fashion across all cases, thus helping to conserve time and money of all involved. Where the alleged injuries and facts are so similar, and MDL is appropriate for a more speedy resolution.
Lawsuits against power morcellators and various manufacturers continue to appear. Ethicon, one manufacturer, has responded by completely discontinuing production of their morcellators and recalling those that were already sold to hospitals. The FDA has also issued warnings regarding the tool and its associated risks. Because the risks involved greatly impact a patient’s chance of long-term survival, they are ones that should be taken very seriously.
Tracey & Fox has a dedicated morcellator litigation team. These attorneys are currently working to ensure that anyone who has undergone a procedure with a power morcellator and subsequently discovered widespread cancer is able to explore their legal rights. These individuals may be entitled to compensation. Tracey & Fox provides free consultations for those involved.
For additional information on power morcellation or the pending litigation, or to ask questions, please contact Tracey & Fox Law by calling 713-322-5375.
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Contact Tracey & Fox:
Sean Tracey
713-495-2333
440 Louisiana Street , Suite 1901 Houston, TX 77002
