Recently, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) created a new MDL for the federal lawsuits alleging injury caused by Zostavax, a live vaccine for the prevention of shingles. The lawsuits allege that the vaccine caused individuals to develop shingles or other injuries triggered from exposure to the live, attenuated varicella zoster virus contained in the vaccine, and that the manufacturer did not provide sufficient warning of the risks to healthcare providers or consumers. (In addition to shingles, other alleged injuries include herpes encephalitis, optical nerve damage, kidney and liver damage, Bell’s palsy, Guillain Barre Syndrome, and other viral related illnesses and injuries.) When shingles develop, a rash or blisters appear on the skin, generally on one side of the body. This is a sign that the virus has traveled from the nerves and followed a path out to the skin. Because the nerves along the path become inflamed, shingles can also be painful. Pain that lasts for months after the rash has healed is called post herpetic neuralgia or PHN. For some people, this pain can be severe and chronic. Zostavax is made by pharmaceutical giant, Merck.
In the 8/2/18 order, the JPML ordered the transfer of the cases to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania before Judge Harvey Bartle III for coordinated pretrial proceedings. (An MDL is a type of legal proceeding that helps federal courts efficiently manage many similar cases filed in many different federal courts across the U.S. by allowing the temporary transfer of all of the federal civil lawsuits to one or more district courts for pretrial consolidation or coordination. The JPML is a group of federal judges designated by the Chief Justice of the United States, which has the responsibility for determining which cases qualify for MDL treatment, as well as which district court to transfer and consolidate these cases. The transfers are made if the Panel determines that the transfers will result in the convenience of the parties and witnesses and will promote the just and efficient conduct of the cases. For more information about MDLs and the JPML, contact Borgess Law.)
How We Can Help:
If you or someone you love suffered shingles, herpes encephalitis, optical nerve damage, kidney or liver damage, Bell’s palsy, Guillain Barre Syndrome or other viral related illnesses or injures after receiving Zostavax, you should be aware of the ongoing litigation..
Attorney Pamela A. Borgess, the founder of Borgess Law, LLC, has extensive experience with numerous national high-profile defective medical drug/device cases and can discuss your legal options. For more information about the Zostavax litigation or to discuss a potential claim, contact Borgess Law at (567) 455-5955. You can also contact Borgess Law by submitting an online inquiry. Borgess Law never charges for initial consultations. We welcome any questions you may have.