As we have discussed in previous posts, pending lawsuits against the manufacturers of NuvaRing®, state that the birth control product has led to severe side-effects such as: heart attack, stroke, deep vein thrombosis (also known as DVT or blood clots), internal organ damage, myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism.

Courts in the United States have consolidated the NuvaRing® lawsuits on both the State (Mass Tort) and federal (MultiDistrict Litigation or “MDL”) levels. The Mass Tort is presided over by Judge Brian R. Martinotti, in the New Jersey Superior Court – Bergen County. The MDL is presided over by Judge Rodney W. Sippel, in the United States District Court – Eastern District of Missouri. Both judges often collaborate in an effort to assimilate the cases pending in each court. In fact, during the March 3, 2010, Mass Tort case management conference, Judge Martinotti adopted an order recently entered by Judge Sippel, which will permit counsel to coordinate discovery in all cases pending in both the Mass Tort and MDL.