Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Roger Orlando (The Orlando Firm, P.C. - Atlanta) and David Karnas (Bellovin & Karnas, P.C. - Tucson) met with our expert epidemiologists and several
other lawyers from other litigation groups in Baltimore last week. The idea
was to share information and expert witness/advisor expenses in order to
produce an “epi curve” which tends to show a trend of which date range shows
the beginning of most infections, along with the date range into which the
majority of our clients’ illnesses fall. The primary data was provided by
our outsourced nurse-review organization, R&G Medical Consultants, which has
been in the process of contacting most everyone by now to obtain detailed
illness information. This data helps define a trend which we hope will
serve to validate most everyone’s complaints of salmonella infection even when a positive medical culture is lacking. The meeting was even more
productive then we had expected going in. We apologize at this point as we
do not wish to publish in this forum our conclusions and adulteration trends
regarding infection rates, dates of onset and manufacturer date and line
codes (top of jar information). While the information is interesting and
the trends tend to prove what we know and shed light on other things we did
not, much remains theory and/or attorney-client work product which we do not
wish for ConAgra to be aware of at this stage.
This information sharing among other law groups puts clients and claims
first, ahead of any individual lawyer’s concerns. This especially is
important with a developing trend in the “peanut butter litigation culture”
toward a west coast v. east coast (in broad terms) polarization of law
groups. In a new development, the “west coast” lawyers have changed their
views and are expected to ask the MDL (multi-district litigation) panel at
the May 31st federal court hearing in Las Vegas to place the consolidated
cases in Seattle rather than Georgia where the ConAgra plant is located
along with the CDC. While our earlier research has shown the Seattle judge
to be qualified, impartial and competent to handle a case of this size, we
share with others some concerns as to the motivation behind this sudden
change in position toward Seattle. As you know, our view toward
recommending Georgia as the LOGICAL choice of a litigation forum has been,
in contrast, consistent. Bottom line, however, no matter where the case
ultimately is placed, we will continue to perform our duties on your behalf
to our “gold standard” and optimum abilities.
In preparation for our upcoming oral argument before the MDL panel, we
reviewed the geographic locations of all clients (including those referred
by other law firms) who have entrusted their cases to us. In addition to
clients residing in Puerto Rico and Mexico, we are representing folks with
serious illness cases (proof of peanut butter ingestion, appropriate symptom
timing and manifestation and actual medical treatment) from 31 different
states! While we exhibit much pride in the fact that hundreds and hundreds
of people have placed their faith and confidence in our group, we did not
until now realize the true scope of geographical cultures represented.
Quite simply, thank you again.
We will report further in early June following the MDL panel hearing at the
federal courthouse in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Meet Mr. Orlando
Current News
Read the Lawsuit
Quick Contact
Time is of the essence in these very sensitive cases. Simply use the form below and an Attorney will contact you shortly.
Free Case Evaluation
Find out quickly - with no cost or obligation - if you might be entitled to a large cash settlement. Simply complete the Case Evaluation Form.
