Judge Rules Civil Suits in Meningitis Outbreak May Proceed
If you or a loved one suffered from meningitis after receiving tainted medication, you have a right to be angry. No one can undo your suffering, but a Tennessee drug injury lawsuit can help you and your family obtain accountability and justice as well as compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, permanent disability and pain and suffering. A federal judge agrees.
On Wednesday, November 28, 2012, U.S. District Judge Dennis Saylor ruled that civil suits against New England Compounding Center, the pharmacy responsible for the contaminated steroids behind the meningitis outbreak, will be allowed to proceed. However, any criminal cases will have priority in gathering evidence.
The owners and attorneys for New England Compounding Center and its affiliate Ameridose LLC had asked to delay civil proceedings early next year when a panel of judges will meet in Washington to discuss the handling of the 70 suits that have been filed so far in Massachusetts, Minnesota, Tennessee and Michigan. However, Judge Saylor felt that any unnecessary delays would be unfair to the meningitis victims and their families.
New England Compounding Center’s facilities in Framingham, Massachusetts are under federal investigation. The company may face criminal charges for its role in the meningitis outbreak that has sickened more than 500 people in 19 states. Thirty-six have died after injection with contaminated doses of the steroid methylprednisone acetate used to treat back pain. Thirteen of these deaths have been in Tennessee. There have been an additional 14 cases of peripheral joint infection cases related to the outbreak.
The FDA is currently investigating two other drugs made by the company that may be linked to cases of meningitis.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
Read more about Thomas R. Greer