About
This Multidistrict Litigation ("MDL") was created by Order of the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ("MDL Panel") on April 1, 2013. The typical case involves claims by a plaintiff from anywhere in the United States against defendant McNeil-PPC, Inc., and many other defendants as well.
In its April 1, 2013 Order, the MDL Panel found that the actions in this MDL "involve common questions of fact, and that centralization in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania will serve the convenience of the parties and witnesses and promote the just and efficient conduct of the litigation."
The MDL Panel noted that the actions "involve allegations that over-the-counter ("OTC") acetaminophen containing products that are marked and sold under its TYLENOL® brand-name caused liver damage, including liver failure, even when taken as directed." McNeill-PPC, Inc. and the other defendants deny these allegations.
The Panel further found that "centralization will eliminate duplicate discovery; prevent inconsistent pretrial rulings; and conserve the resources of the parties, their counsel and the judiciary."
Contacts
Presiding Judge: The Honorable Berle M. Schiller
Please Read Judge Schiller's Policies and Procedures before contacting his chambers.
Secretary/Deputy Clerk (Civil): Jean Pennie
Deputy Clerk (Criminal): Christopher Campoli
United States District Court
Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Courtroom 5C
James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse
601 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Telephone: (267) 299-7620
Email: chambers_of_judge_berle_m_schiller@paed.uscourts.gov
Plaintiffs' Liaison Counsel: Laurence S. Berman, Esq.
Levin Fishbein Sedran & Berman
510 Walnut St.
Suite 500
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Telephone: (215) 592-1500
Fax: (215) 592-4663
E-mail: LBerman@lfsblaw.com
Chair, Plaintiffs' Steering Committee:
Laurence S. Berman, Esq.
Levin Fishbein Sedran & Berman
510 Walnut St.
Suite 500
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Telephone: (215) 592-1500
Fax: (215) 592-4663
E-mail: LBerman@lfsblaw.com
R. Clay Milling, Esq.
Henry Spiegel Milling LLP
950 East Paces Ferry Road, N.E.
Atlanta Plaza, Suite 2450
Atlanta, GA 30326
Telephone: (404) 832-8000
Fax: 404) 832-8050
Defendant's Lead Counsel: Christy D. Jones, Esq.
Butler, Snow O'Mara, Stevens & Cannada, PLLC
1020 Highland Colony Parkway
Suite 1400
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Telephone: (601) 985-4523
Fax: (601) 985-4500 (facsimile)
E-mail: Christy.jones@butlersnow.com
Defendant's Liaison Counsel:
David Abernethy, Esq.
Drinker Biddle & Reath, LLP
One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996
Telephone: (215) 988-2700
Fax: (215) 988-2757
E-mail: David.Abernethy@dbr.com
Mr. Abernethy is appointed Defendants' Co-Liaison Counsel.
Alyson B. Jones, Esq.
Butler, Snow O'Mara, Stevens & Cannada, PLLC
1020 Highland Colony Parkway
Suite 1400
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Telephone: (601) 985-4427
Fax: (601) 985-4500
E-mail: Alyson.jones@butlersnow.com
Ms. Jones is appointed Defendants' Co-Liaison Counsel.
Transcripts and Audio
Hearing Transcripts
| Title or Topic | Date Held | Docket Entry No. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Pretrial Conference | 05/21/2013 | 44 |
| First Monthly Conference | 06/24/2013 | - |
| Second Monthly Conference | 08/22/2013 | - |