Power Morcellator Wrongful Death Action Transferred to N.C., Where Surgery Occurred

TRENTON, N.J. — A New Jersey federal judge has ruled that a power morcellator wrongful death action belongs in North Carolina, where the decedent’s surgery took place and the device was purchased.

In an Aug. 24 order, Judge Michael A. Shipp of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey further held that North Carolina has an interest in enforcing its consumer protection laws to protect its citizens.

Bethann Woodell underwent laparoscopic uterine surgery on March 7, 2012, during which a power morcellator was used. On Oct. 30, 2012, Woodell underwent an MRI, which revealed that she had …