Md. Federal Judge Retains Jurisdiction Over Product Liability Claims in Ethicon Transvaginal Mesh Action

BALTIMORE — A Maryland federal judge has retained jurisdiction over claims asserted against Ethicon Inc. in a transvaginal mesh device action and severed and remanded the claims against the healthcare provider defendants, ruling that they are dispensable parties.

In a July 30 order, Judge Peter J. Messitte of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland found that resolution of the medical negligence claims would not necessarily resolve the plaintiff’s claims against Ethicon and Johnson & Johnson. As such, the healthcare providers are not indispensable parties, the judge held.

In November 2011, Maryland resident Leanne Sullivan underwent surgery …