Medtronic Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator Defect

Cynthia Chapman of Caddell & Chapman served as a key member of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in coordinated multidistrict litigation against Medtronic involving a defective battery in certain models of Medtronic implantable defibrillators. In December 2007, Plaintiffs were able to reach a nationwide settlement for $95.6 million in damages and $18.5 million in attorneys’ fees after Ms. Chapman and Plaintiffs’ counsel successfully defeated Medtronic’s attempts to dismiss Plaintiffs’ claims. Ms. Chapman served as the Steering Committee member in charge of legal briefing and took the lead role in drafting and overseeing the Plaintiffs’ joint briefs in response to Medtronic’s motions seeking dismissal of the claims of individual patients’ claims. Ms. Chapman was successful in defeating both of Medtronic’s key motions, one seeking dismissal on preemption grounds and one seeking dismissal due to lack of a manifested defect. The Settlement has been funded and final distribution occurred at the end of 2008.