Class Action Cases
Bartlit Beck represents clients in proposed class actions in both federal and state courts, involving a variety of claims, including consumer fraud, nuisance, antitrust and securities.
Bartlit Beck has defeated certification in many cases. We have also won other cases on motion and obtained favorable settlements for our clients. We approach proposed class actions like trial lawyers, keeping our eye on the client’s ultimate objectives, and presenting our opponents with a credible threat that our clients will take these cases to trial.
Below are summaries of some of the representative class action cases we have handled.
In re Teflon Products Liability Litigation
Lead counsel for DuPont in an MDL (Southern District of Iowa) including more than twenty proposed single-state class actions involving consumer fraud, warranty, and unjust enrichment claims arising from alleged defects with cookware made with DuPont’s non-stick coatings. Cases voluntarily dismissed after Court denied certification of all proposed classes.
In re Genetically Modified Rice Litigation
Lead counsel for Bayer CropScience LP and related companies in MDL (Eastern District of Missouri) including proposed class and individual claims arising from the introduction of genetically modified rice into commercial rice supply. Defeated class certification and won partial summary judgment; preparing remaining claims for trial.
In re Bayer Combination Aspirin Litigation
Lead counsel for Bayer in MDL (Eastern District of New York) alleging economic harm from purchase of over-the-counter drug-dietary supplement products that were subject of FDA Warning Letters.
In re Warfarin Sodium Litigation
Lead counsel for DuPont in MDL (District of Delaware) and state actions addressing antitrust claims regarding the prescription anti-coagulant Coumadin. Cases settled.
Swidler v. Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC
Lead counsel for Georgia-Pacific in putative class action alleging that building products manufactured by Georgia-Pacific caused damage in consumers’ homes. Case pending in Middle District of Florida.
In re Baycol Products Liability Litigation
Lead counsel for Bayer in MDL (District of Minnesota) alleging personal injuries and economic harm from purchase and use of cholesterol-lowering medication. Defeated class certification. Obtained injunction in MDL against West Virginia state court class certification proceedings.
Chultem/Colella v. Chicago Title and Fidelity National
Lead counsel for Chicago Title Company in Illinois state court litigation involving claims made under the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act and the Illinois Title Insurance Act. Defeated class certification.
In re Factor VIII or IX Concentrate Blood Products Litigation
Lead counsel for Bayer in MDL (Northern District of Illinois) alleging personal injuries from use of allegedly contaminated blood-based derivatives. Defeated class certification. Won forum non conveniens or summary judgment dismissals of several actions; motion practice continuing on remaining claims.