Judge Rules Damages for Celebrex-Related Injury Under the Jurisdictional Limit

CHICAGO - The damages sought by a woman who allegedly developed a bleeding ulcer as a result of using the arthritis drug Celebrex do not exceed the jurisdictional limit of $75,000, a federal judge ruled. Jeanette Hady v. Pharmacia Corp., No. 03-C-3268 (N.D. Ill., Eastern Div.).

In a one-page minute order, U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel granted plaintiff Jeanette Hady's motion to remand the proceedings to Illinois' Circuit Court of Cook County.

On Aug. 19, Hady moved to remand the proceedings arguing that her out-of-pocket medical expenses were less than $10,000. In addition, she stipulated that the total amount …