JPML Creates Guidant Corp. Implantable Defibrillator MDL, Transfers 6 Cases

MINNEAPOLIS - The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation created a Guidant Corp. Implantable Defibrillator MDL on Nov. 7, transferring six cases to MDL 1708 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. In re: Guidant Corp. Implantable Defibrillators Products Liability Litigation. MDL No. 1708 (D. Minn.).

The JPML said centralization is necessary to eliminate duplicative discovery, prevent inconsistent pretrial rulings and conserve resources.

Gabriele v. Guidant Corp. (No. 5:05-cv-487 [C.D. Fla.]), Clasby v. Guidant Corp. (No. 1:05-cv-21485 [S.D. Fla.]), Brennan v. Guidant Corp., et al. (No. 1:05-cv-827 [S.D. Ind.]), Walker v. Guidant Corp. (No. 0:05-cv-1141 [D. Minn.]), Munson …