The birth injuries lawsuits involving Effexor, an antidepressant drug, have been set to move toward the first round of trials. The lawsuits allege that when expecting mothers took the antidepressant during their first trimester, it caused their children to suffer birth defects such as heart problems. It also claims that the manufacturers failed to conduct proper research into the side effects of using antidepressants during pregnancy, and the manufactures failed to inform consumer and physicians about the risk of birth defects.

On November 18, 2014, a judge directed that fourteen bellwether cases will undergo discovery and the process of setting the cases for trial. This is in order to allow the parties to find the strengths and weaknesses of their cases. Each side, the plaintiffs and the Effexor manufacturer Pfizer, are to choose seven of the cases to be included in the group. Once each side selects their respective groups, they will undergo a discovery process that entails interrogatories, document production, and depositions of parties and witnesses. Only 12 of the 14 bellwether selections will proceed to trial on the first-track trial schedule, as each side will be allowed to strike one case of the other side's bellwether list.

There are nearly 100 cases involving Effexor MDL and this number can potentially grow to several hundred cases. If you or someone you know have had a child with a birth injuries contact the attorneys at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. at 800-777-4081 for a free consultation today.

Source: Injury Lawyer News. "Court Order Moves Effexor Birth Defect Lawsuits Closer to Trial". December 8, 2014.