Judge Grants Consolidation of La. Cases for Discovery, Not Trial

NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana plaintiffs in two lawsuits seeking reimbursement for Vioxx-related expenses can consolidate their cases for discovery purposes but not for trial, according to a recent ruling by the judge overseeing the federal Vioxx MDL. In Re: Vioxx Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 1657 (E.D. La.).

In a June 28 order, Judge Eldon E. Fallon of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana granted plaintiffs' motion to consolidate for discovery and reserved the plaintiffs' right to re-urge their motion to consolidate their cases for trial at a later date if necessary.

In the cases at …