Few countries are as litigious as the United States, and few companies attract as much scrutiny and criticism as those in the life sciences industry. Although some disputes may be inevitable in any business endeavor, the scientific complexities inherent in this field, the constantly shifting FDA regulatory scheme, and the highly competitive marketplace create a particularly challenging environment for life sciences companies. Manufacturers must manage each dispute in the context of other possible litigation, as well as with an eye toward potential regulatory, media and shareholder repercussions.
The life sciences litigation team at McGuireWoods has extensive FDA-related knowledge and decades of experience defending industry clients against product liability and other commercial challenges. Our group also includes lawyers with advanced medical and engineering degrees. Drawing on this training, we can quickly develop an understanding of the technical and medical principles involved in each product liability case, which enables us to mount an even more effective defense against unwarranted claims and the sophisticated tactics of plaintiffs’ counsel.
We have defended companies in individual cases, served as coordinating counsel in nationwide products liability mediation and arbitration, and managed class actions and multidistrict disputes. From our offices across the United States and in Europe, we represent clients in court and other dispute-resolution forums in jurisdictions around the world. We have extensive experience in handling matters involving a broad array of devices, pharmaceuticals and biological products, including implantable drug delivery systems and catheters, opioids, antibiotics and other medicines, and vaccines.