As part of its continuing coverage of the New England Compounding Center (NECC) fungal meningitis outbreak, the Tennessean reported Thursday that a federal judge is attempting to settle claims through mediation:
A federal judge in Boston has set up a mediation program in an attempt to quickly settle the dozens of pending lawsuits filed by victims of a nationwide fungal meningitis outbreak that has claimed the lives of 15 Tennessee patients.
In a 13-page order issued Thursday, U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV set a series of strict deadlines for participants to organize and begin negotiations.
Those wishing to join in the mediation must do so by Sept. 23. Participation, Saylor stressed, is voluntary.
Mediation may be a quick and cost-effective way for plaintiffs to settle their claims against NECC. Mediation is also confidential and may be a better option for plaintiffs hoping to maintain their privacy.
However, participation is entirely voluntary.
Judge Saylor’s court order allows “current and potential defendants,” including “hospitals, clinics and other health-care providers” and “any party already named as a defendant in pending state or federal court suits along with any other party with a potential liability for claims” to participate in mediation proceedings under his supervision.
Follow the Tennessean’s continuing coverage on this issue here.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a compounding pharmacy product, contact us at www.andrewsthornton.com or toll free at 1-800-644-1734.
