MDL Judge Consolidates Loss of Consortium, Product Liability Claims

SAN FRANCISCO - A California judge has granted Pfizer Inc.'s unopposed motion to consolidate plaintiffs' loss of consortium claims with underlying lawsuits in which their spouses allege physical injuries caused by Bextra and Celebrex. In Re: Bextra and Celebrex Marketing Sales Practices and Product Liability Litigation, MDL No. 1699 (N.D. Calif.).

Judge Charles R. Breyer of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued the order Sept. 12 in the federal Bextra/Celebrex MDL, ruling that the consolidated cases are to remain as such for all further proceedings and purposes, including trial.

The order severed eight plaintiffs' loss …