Ethicon Pelvic MDL Judge Dismisses Cases Filed by New Zealand Plaintiffs

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — The judge overseeing the Ethicon pelvic repair system multidistrict litigation has dismissed more than 20 cases filed by New Zealand plaintiffs, ruling that New Zealand is an “adequate alternative forum” and the majority of the anticipated evidence and witnesses are located in that country.

On Feb. 14, Judge Joseph R. Goodwin of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia further found that New Zealand has a strong interest in regulating mesh products marketed and sold in that country.

The foreign plaintiffs filed short form complaints in the MDL, alleging they were implanted …