Manufacturer Named in Etodolac Wrongful Death Lawsuit Removes Case to Federal Court

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The manufacturers of an arthritis drug that allegedly killed an Alabama man have removed the wrongful death lawsuit filed as a result, arguing that the plaintiff made an unspecified claim for damages, which are likely to exceed jurisdictional limits. Bonner v. ESI Lederle, et al., 7:02cv773 (N.D. Ala.).

ESI Lederle, an unincorporated division of Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, filed its petition for removal on March 27 when it was decided that the punitive damage amount sought by the plaintiff will likely exceed $75,000.

Helen Bonner, who filed the claim on behalf of her deceased husband, had sought compensatory and …