Schroeder et al v. Ethicon, Inc. et al, No. 2:2012cv01327 - Document 56 (S.D.W. Va. 2017)
Court Description: ORDER granting the Motion by Certain Plaintiffs in Wave 2 Cases to Strike Dr. Shelby F. Thames' Supplemental Reports or, in the Alternative, for Leave to File a Daubert Motion Based on the Flawed Methodology Employed Therein filed in MDL 2327 at ECF No. 2882, as more fully set forth herein. Signed by Judge Joseph R. Goodwin on 3/28/2017. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (REF: MDL 2327; Cases Listed on Exhibit A) (ts)
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Schroeder et al v. Ethicon, Inc. et al Doc. 56 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA CHARLESTON DIVISION IN RE: ETHICON, INC., PELVIC REPAIR SYSTEM PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION MDL No. 2327 ______ THIS DOCUMENT RELATES TO: Cases identified in Exhibit A attached hereto ORDER Pending before the court is the plaintiffs’ Motion to Strike the Dr. Shelby F. Thames’s Supplemental Reports or, in the Alternative, for Leave to File a Daubert Motion [ECF No. 2882]. Ethicon filed its Response [ECF No. 3020]. The plaintiffs’ Motion requests exclusion of Dr. Thames’s two supplemental reports but also requests that the court, in the alternative, allow them additional time to depose Dr. Thames. For the reasons detailed below, the plaintiffs’ Motion is GRANTED as to the cases in Exhibit A. 1 I. Background Pursuant to the Fourth Amended Wave 2 Docket Control Order [ECF No. 1790] (“Docket Control Order”), Ethicon was required to disclose its experts (and their opinions) on or before June 3, 2016. Docket Control Order 1. Discovery closed on July On Exhibit A, I have marked through cases that are closed, on the inactive docket, not in Wave 1, could not be identified because of an error in the style or case number, or assigned to another District Judge. 1 Dockets.Justia.com 1, 2016. Id. Further, all Daubert briefing was to be completed by August 18, 2016, with Daubert motions due July 21, 2017. Id. Ethicon timely disclosed Dr. Thames as an expert, along with his initial expert report. In the plaintiffs’ Wave 1 Daubert motion on Dr. Thames, they questioned the reliability of Dr. Thames’s explant cleaning protocol. Mem. Supp. Mot. Exclude Ops. Dr. Thames 8–10 [ECF No. 2042]. It was this argument that prompted the design and execution of a new experiment to test the reliability of his cleaning protocol, to buttress the strength and reliability of his prior opinion. Mot. Strike Ex. B, at 1 [ECF No. 2882-2] (“First Supplemental Report”). Ethicon then served the First Supplemental Report with the preliminary conclusions of this experiment on August 8, 2016, and the Second Supplemental Report with the formal conclusions on September 28, 2016. See id. at 1; Mot. Strike Ex. C, at 1 [ECF No. 2882-3] (“Second Supplemental Report”). Both reports were served after the disclosure deadline, motion deadline, and close of discovery. The plaintiffs argue for exclusion under Rule 37(c) on the grounds that the supplemental reports were untimely served. Mot. Strike 2–3. Ethicon does not dispute that the reports were untimely served and responds that its delayed disclosures were justified and harmless. Ethicon focuses its attention on the fivefactor test from Hoyle v. Freightliner, LLC, 650 F.3d 321, 329 (4th Cir. 2011). See generally Resp. II. Analysis Pursuant to Rule 37(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, If a party fails to provide information or identify a witness as required by Rule 26(a) or (e), the party is not allowed to use that information or 2 witness to supply evidence on a motion, at a hearing, or at a trial, unless the failure was substantially justified or is harmless. According to the Fourth Circuit, the appropriate factors to consider in determining whether to sanction a party under Rule 37(c) are the following: (1) the surprise to the party against whom the witness was to have testified; (2) the ability of the party to cure that surprise; (3) the extent to which allowing the testimony would disrupt the trial; (4) the explanation for the party's failure to name the witness before trial; and (5) the importance of the testimony. Hoyle, 650 F.3d at 329. I am simply unable to find that Ethicon’s late disclosures of Dr. Thames’s supplemental expert reports were substantially justified. Dr. Thames has a longstanding relationship with Ethicon, and Ethicon has provided no reason why this testing could not have been done prior to the disclosure of the initial expert report. Essentially, because the plaintiffs questioned the reliability of Dr. Thames’s protocol, Ethicon decided to bolster its case by having Dr. Thames perform more testing of the testing. In essence, the supplemental expert reports are atonement for initial inadequacies or incomplete preparation. However, I must also evaluate whether the late disclosures were nevertheless harmless before I can determine whether sanctions are appropriate. The plaintiffs’ arguments support a finding of surprise. Although the plaintiff attacked the adequacy of Dr. Thames’s cleaning protocol in their Daubert motion, they had no reason to suspect that an entirely new test would be performed to rebut their argument of reliability and then disclosed after the discovery deadline had closed. However, both parties have agreed to allow additional time for Daubert 3 briefing should the reports not be excluded. Thus, the ability to cure the surprise weighs in favor of permitting the reports. I recognize that a trial date has not been set in this case, and I also recognize that any harm to the plaintiffs regarding this matter may be easily remedied by allowing them to have additional time to depose Dr. Thames. However, I must be particularly cognizant of the realities of multidistrict litigation and the unique problems an MDL judge faces. Specifically, when handling seven MDLs, each containing thousands of individual cases, case management becomes of utmost importance. See In re Phenylpropanolamine Prods. Liab. Litig., 460 F.3d 1217, 1231 (9th Cir. 2006) (emphasizing the “enormous” task of an MDL court in “figur[ing] out a way to move thousands of cases toward resolution on the merits while at the same time respecting their individuality”). I must define rules for discovery and then strictly adhere to those rules, with the purpose of ensuring that pretrial litigation flows as smoothly and efficiently as possible. See id. at 1232 (“[T]he district judge must establish schedules with firm cutoff dates if the coordinated cases are to move in a diligent fashion toward resolution by motion, settlement, or trial.”); see also Fed. R. Civ. P. 1 (stating that the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure “should be construed and administered to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action and proceeding”). In turn, counsel must collaborate with the court “in fashioning workable programmatic procedures” and cooperate with these procedures thereafter. In re Phenylpropanolamine, 460 F.3d at 1231–32. Pretrial orders—and the parties’ compliance with those orders and the deadlines set forth therein—“are 4 the engine that drives disposition on the merits.” Id. at 1232. A “willingness to resort to sanctions” in the event of noncompliance can ensure that the engine remains in tune, resulting in better administration of the vehicle of multidistrict litigation. Id.; see also Freeman v. Wyeth, 764 F.3d 806, 810 (8th Cir. 2014) (“The MDL judge must be given ‘greater discretion’ to create and enforce deadlines in order to administrate the litigation effectively. This necessarily includes the power to dismiss cases where litigants do not follow the court’s orders.”). The fourth factor, importance of the testimony, also weighs in favor of striking the reports. Both supplemental reports are twelve pages long, whereas the original report is 132 pages long. The testimony contained in the reports does not go to the heart of the case, but instead serves only to enforce the reliability of Dr. Thames’s cleaning protocol. I cannot find that the supplemental reports are crucial to either side’s case. III. Conclusion Accordingly, the plaintiffs’ Motion to Strike the Dr. Shelby F. Thames’s Supplemental Reports or, in the Alternative, for Leave to File a Daubert Motion [ECF No. 2882] is GRANTED. The court DIRECTS the Clerk to send a copy of this Order to counsel of record and any unrepresented party. ENTER: March 28, 2017 5 EXHIBIT A Case Civil Action Number Ankenman, Cathleen & John J. Kowalski, Judith Mary Hart, Mary Ann & William J. Schroeder, Carreen & Matthew Almendarez, Angela M. Hines, Lynn & Gregory Rose, Lola Vandergriff, Debbie & Carl Eaton, Cynthia & Frank Aldrich, Jacqueline Marie & Darryl Higgins, Susan & Bob McDonald, Maria & Thomas Glasgow, Carol Valle, Maritza Thomas, Mary Fitzgerald, Alina & Christopher Boudreau, Linda L. & Charles J. Simpson, Sherry Gill & Ricky Watson, Sandra Rosalie & Earl L. Brady, Victoria Lee & Maurice Joseph Mickle, Karen Grayson, Pamela Sue Pocztowski, Debra Perry, Mary Lou Ford, Deborah K. & Donald K. Blowers, Jr. Brown, Valerie Blackston, Ossie & John Martin, Diann & Donald Schomer, Margaret A. Smith, Patricia G. & Mark Cruse, Peggy D. Raney, Barbara A. & Marcus Espinoza, Rhondi Majors, Jennifer A. & Jonathan S. Flanigan, Iris & Earl David Gologan, Didina & Alexandru Burton, Kimberly Lee & Christopher Carl 1 2:12cv00872 2:12cv01323 2:12cv01326 2:12cv01327 2:12cv01329 2:12cv01331 2:12cv01336 2:12cv01342 2:12cv01348 2:12cv01364 2:12cv01365 2:12cv01366 2:12cv01367 2:12cv01368 2:12cv01370 2:12cv01371 2:12cv01373 2:12cv01414 2:12cv01426 2:12cv01428 2:12cv01432 2:12cv01435 2:12cv01470 2:12cv01477 2:12cv01486 2:12cv01489 2:12cv01493 2:12cv01495 2:12cv01497 2:12cv01498 2:12cv01501 2:12cv01507 2:12cv01517 2:12cv01523 2:12cv01524 2:12cv01528 2:12cv01529 Chase, Alvette McGathey, Elizabeth M. Ferguson, Teresa Crews, Lillie Harriet & Wain E. Spitzner, Bobbie Dianne & James W. Sanders, Melissa & Charles, Jr. Amidei, Betty Childress, Sandra & Timothy Cottrell, Teresa & Joe Palazzolo Harper, Kathy Wilson, Marcia & Robert Rasos, Katherine Walkingstick, Margaret Christine Smythia, Rebecca Smith, Andora Lindberg, Patricia & Carl Perez, Leezel & Jeffrey Cole, Phyllis Smith & Willie Ray Guffey, Gail Hatfield, Nona & Billy Ray Moore, Phyllis Cooper, Jennifer & Dave Carter, Tamara & David Smallwood, Nancy & Leon, Sr. Glenn, Rhonda & Era Fox, III Allen, Diana & Timothy Fleck, Jean E. Lenz, Debera & Robert Mooney, Konnie L. & James Miller, Mona Bailey, Pamela & Houston Cedeno, Joyce Colbert, Rhonda & Joseph Hoch, Susan & Christopher Johnson, Cynthia & Robert Meyer, Linda & Steve Muir, Marilyn & Scott Shelton, Mary & Frank Shennum, Janice Swanson, Karen & Thomas Parker, Belinda 2:12cv01533 2:12cv01538 2:12cv01544 2:12cv01549 2:12cv01552 2:12cv01562 2:12cv01563 2:12cv01564 2:12cv01565 2:12cv01567 2:12cv01568 2:12cv01599 2:12cv01616 2:12cv01622 2:12cv01623 2:12cv01637 2:12cv01640 2:12cv01645 2:12cv01650 2:12cv01657 2:12cv01659 2:12cv01660 2:12cv01661 2:12cv01662 2:12cv01663 2:12cv01676 2:12cv01681 2:12cv01692 2:12cv01695 2:12cv01696 2:12cv01700 2:12cv01701 2:12cv01702 2:12cv01703 2:12cv01704 2:12cv01705 2:12cv01706 2:12cv01707 2:12cv01708 2:12cv01709 2:12cv01710 2 Hutchison, Deanna Gail Suter, Carol Ann & Troy W. Denton, Shirley & Marvin Frazier, Margaret & William Allen Raines, Myra & Kenneth Rhodes, Rebecca & Scott Sidwell, Loretta & Jimmy Williamson, Betty & Donald Gibson, Susan & Michael Savage, Stacey D. & Ebbie E. Ferrell Blevins, Vickie Lea & Robert Oliver Slade, Sebrina & Eric Paris, Christin & Michael Young, Tina L. & Jeffrey Patrick, Lottie M. & John D. Lane, Ann Jennette & Daniel Mark Cutter, Jenesta & Larry A. Burnett, Mary K. Heuer, Myra Hammett, Carolyn R. Brookman, Lesley Mitchell & Michael Merten, Janet & Gerard Zutovsky, Linda & Leonard Sierra, Ana & Luis Hemingway, Veda & Gary Strickland, Deborah J. & Matthew Guy, Sheryl C. Gray, Wanda Abell, Emily S. & Michael K. Bishop, Cheryl L. Symank, Bernie & Herman Franklin, Betty Gallehugh, Michelle & Ronnie Parton, Lori Anne Copeland, Executrix of the Estate of Sue Bilbrey Copeland, deceased Peterson, Winnie Elise Jernigan, Joan E. & Fred T. Luna, Tracy L. Hays, Brenda & Roger Sutton, Martha Hensley, Mary M. 3 2:12cv01711 2:12cv01712 2:12cv01719 2:12cv01731 2:12cv01735 2:12cv01736 2:12cv01737 2:12cv01739 2:12cv01740 2:12cv01743 2:12cv01746 2:12cv01753 2:12cv01759 2:12cv01772 2:12cv01776 2:12cv01785 2:12cv01790 2:12cv01795 2:12 cv 01796 2:12cv01802 2:12cv01803 2:12cv01817 2:12cv01818 2:12cv01819 2:12cv01829 2:12cv01830 2:12cv01831 2:12cv01832 2:12cv01833 2:12cv01834 2:12cv01836 2:12cv01837 2:12cv01838 2:12cv01848 2:12cv01849 2:12cv01850 2:12cv01853 2:12cv01855 2:12cv01857 2:12cv01858 Bowles, Phyllis & Charles Rogers, Ruby G. & Dwayne L. Irwin, Priscilla A. & Daniel S. Dycus, Myrtle Frances Henry, Lana & Phillip Dean Garland, Marian Young Poole, Brenda Riggs, Donna & Gary Zapata, Sandra Slocumb, Kathryn Hughes, Brenda L. & Ronnie Poole, Cheryl & Kenneth Devoe, Debra & Randy Moon, Carolyn Covington Branker, Barbara M. & Brian B. Cope, Michele A. & Barry Deforrest, Patricia Ann & John H. Cambre, Terri L. Trimper, Carolyn S. West, Peggy Sue & Larry R. Phillips, Eleanor F. & John R. Higgins, Anna R. Brennon, Rebecca J. Carr, Gwendolyn N. & Rundell D. Bates, Diane Bowers, Betty Jean Beard, Gavie & Kenneth Carroll, Margaret Gullett, Brenda & Carl Maddox, Brenda Martin, Phyllis Peterson, Tracy & Kevin Reed, Deborah F. & Dale K. Chrysler, Marion Heddle, Bridget Pratt, Cathy Hernandez, Toni Dawson, Kristen Daugherty, Angela & Jimmy Marshall, Natalie C. & David R. Hand, Wanda M. & Charles W. 4 2:12cv01865 2:12cv01877 2:12cv01878 2:12cv01879 2:12cv01938 2:12cv01939 2:12cv01962 2:12cv01967 2:12cv01972 2:12cv01974 2:12cv01976 2:12cv01978 2:12cv01979 2:12cv01980 2:12cv01983 2:12cv01984 2:12cv01985 2:12cv01986 2:12cv01987 2:12cv01988 2:12cv01989 2:12cv01990 2:12cv01995 2:12cv01996 2:12cv02020 2:12cv02022 2:12cv02025 2:12cv02026 2:12cv02027 2:12cv02028 2:12cv02029 2:12cv02030 2:12cv02059 2:12cv02060 2:12cv02071 2:12cv02072 2:12cv02073 2:12cv02074 2:12cv02076 2:12cv02077 2:12cv02079 Burns Martin, Dayna & Kevin Brady, Deborah D. Hicks, Shannon H. & James D. McClain, Barbara Sue Roberts, Brenda C. & Dwight Clay, Crystal Lynn Wilson, Tina Scott, Teresa Bishop, Jessie Whinery, Joyce Nelson, Kathryn M. Loomis, Barbara & Dighton Minogue, Bridgette Doucette, Karen L. Dunham, Lynne & David Ursini, Tara Anderson, Elaine Crabtree, Reba & Jack Lary, Sheryl & Kevin E. Manor, Kristy & John E., III Maxwell, Bonnie Lewis, Marlene Messina, Laritza & John Morrison, Laura Panske Phillips, Emma & Luther Y., Jr. Phillips, Ramona Pitts, Michelle Green, Janice Pippin, Laura & Donald Bihlmeyer, Donna & Joe Semere, Yvonne Hreiz, Amy Elizabeth & Adel Elias Villarreal, Katherine & Carlos Ogletree, Linda J. & John A. Partin, Patricia Graham Pageau, Tina Marie Lambert, Corrie Ann & Ronson Martin, Patricia J. & Dennis R., Sr. Miller, Rose M. Pieper, Laura & Mike Pridmore, Hope Elaine & James O. 2:12cv02081 2:12 cv 02086 2:12cv02094 2:12cv02095 2:12cv02096 2:12cv02097 2:12cv02099 2:12cv02100 2:12cv02101 2:12cv02102 2:12cv02103 2:12cv02104 2:12cv02112 2:12cv02125 2:12cv02131 2:12cv02132 2:12cv02134 2:12cv02135 2:12cv02136 2:12cv02137 2:12cv02138 2:12cv02139 2:12cv02140 2:12cv02141 2:12cv02142 2:12cv02143 2:12cv02144 2:12cv02148 2:12cv02152 2:12cv02159 2:12cv02160 2:12cv02165 2:12cv02167 2:12cv02168 2:12cv02179 2:12cv02180 2:12cv02183 2:12cv02185 2:12cv02187 2:12cv02189 2:12cv02190 5
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