Conn. Court Cites Lack of Expert Testimony in Awarding Risperdal Makers Summary Judgment

HARTFORD, Conn. — A Connecticut federal judge has awarded the makers of Risperdal summary judgment, ruling that because the plaintiff has failed to disclose any expert witnesses, he is unable to establish a claim under the Connecticut Product Liability Act.

On Jan. 16, Judge Michael P. Shea of the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut explained that expert testimony is needed because the effects of Risperdal on the human body when ingested are outside of the ordinary knowledge and experience of judges or jurors, requiring medical expertise.

Kenya Brown, a prison inmate, sued Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals and …