Product Defect and Mass Tort Litigation
Consumer Litigation
Insurance &
Healthcare Litigation
Antitrust
Securities
& Insider-Trading
Galanti v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
No. 03-209, United States District Court, District of New
Jersey. Audet & Partners, LLP partners William M. Audet and Michael McShane
served as Court-appointed Class Counsel with pending $300 million settlement
involving a defective radiant heating system.
In re Certainteed Corp. Roofing Shingles Products Liability Litigation
MDL No. 1817, pending in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Audet
& Partners, LLP partner Michael McShane serves as Court appointed co-lead counsel on behalf of plaintiffs in a nationwide class action involving claims of a defective roofing product.
In re Zurn Pex Plumbing Litigation MDL 08-MDL-1958,United States District
Court, District of Minnesota. Audet & Partners, LLP partner Michael
McShane serves as class counsel on behalf of plaintiffs in a nationwide class
action involving claims of a defective plumbing product installed in thousands
of residences throughout the United States.
In re Menu/Pet Food Recall Litigation MDL No. 1850. Audet & Partners, LLP partner William M.
Audet was appointed on of the co-lead counsel in a case involving recalled pet
food. The ground braking case resulted
in a significant monetary settlement, along with court supervised remedial
action to prevent similar recalls of potentially poisoned pet products in the
future. Over 100 class action cases
were filed and consolidated in New Jersey federal court.
In re Toy Parts Recall – the firm was appointed lead counsel in a case involving recall of a well known toy product. The firm’s partner William M. Audet was directly involved in the negotiations and class wide resolution that provided for full refunds for class members, as well as other relief.
In re Planet Toys Recall
Case no. (SDNY). The firm was appointed lead counsel in a case involving recall of certain of defendants’ toy products. Despite the fact that the company declared bankruptcy, lead counsel William m. Audet and his co counsel were able to obtain relief and compensation for class members..
In re Kitec Plumbing Litigationpending in numerous District Courts throughout the United States. Audet & Partners, LLP partner Michael McShane serves as Court-appointed lead counsel in a nationwide class action prosecuting claims relating to defective plumbing products.
In re Uponor Plumbing Litigation pending
in numerous District Courts. Audet & Partners, LLP partner Michael McShane acts as class counsel in a
nationwide class action alleging claims relating to a defective plumbing
product.
In re Chinese Drywall Litigation MDL 2047. Nationwide class action pending in the Easter
District of Louisiana involving claims relating to allegedly defective drywall
manufactured in China. Audet &
Partners, LLP partner Michael McShane
represents putative class of plaintiffs seeking to recover damages as a result
of the installation of the drywall in their homes.
Ross, et al., v. Trex Company, Inc. Case No.
09-670, United States District Court, Northern District of California. Audet & Partners, LLP partner Michael McShane serves as class counsel in a
nationwide class action involving claims of defective composite decking sold by
the defendant.
Williams v. Weyerhaeuser
San Francisco County Superior Court, California, No. 995787, and Chambers,
et al., v. Weyerhaeuser, King County Superior Court, Washington, No. 98‑2‑21084‑2 KNT. Audet & Partners, LLP’s attorneys served as one of three counsel in a class action involving allegations of defective siding manufactured by Weyerhaeuser.
Roy v. Cemwood Corporation Contra Costa County Superior Court, California, No.: MSC99‑00499. Audet & Partners, LLP firm attorneys serve as one of four co-lead counsel in a national class action involving allegations of defective roofing products.
In re Stucco Litigation (Ruff v. Parex) County of
New Hanover, North Carolina, No. 96-CVS-0059. The firm's
principal partner, William M. Audet, serves on the Court-appointed
Plaintiffs Steering Committee. The case
was filed on behalf of homeowners who had defective synthetic stucco installed
in their homes.
Stuart Hanlon, et al., v. Chrysler Corporation United States District Court, Northern District of California,
No. C-95-2010 CAL. The Firm's attorneys worked on a case seeking correction of defective
rear hatch door lock failures in nominal impacts for 3,300,000 owners of
Chrysler minivans.
In Zyprexa Litigation
MDL 1596, United States District Court, Eastern District of New York. The firm represents over 300 clients who
developed diabetes after ingesting Zyprexa. Audet & Partners, LLP partner William M. Audet has been appointed a member of the Plaintiffs Executive Committee.
In Baycol Litigation MDL
1431, United States District Court, Minnesota. William M. Audet serves as Court appointed member of the Plaintiffs
Executive Committee relating to the defective drug Baycol.
In re Metabolife Litigation JCCP 4360 (San Diego County, California). William M. Audet served as a member of the California
State Steering Committee in personal injury cases arising out of injuries
suffered due to Metabolife products.
In re Vioxx Litigation
New Jersey State Court and California State Court. The firm filed in excess of 100 cases against
Defendants Merck & Company arising out of injuries associated with the defective drug Vioxx. The firm’s cases were scheduled for trial. Susanne Scovern of the Firm played a crucial role in the litigation of the Vioxx cases in New Jersey State Court. The cases have been settled for in excess of $4 billion.
In re Bextra Litigation
MDL No. 1699, United States District Court, Northern District of
California. Audet & Partners, LLP
partner William M. Audet serves as a Court appointed member of the Plaintiffs
Steering Committee.
In re Intergel Litigation
Florida State Court. The firm filed
dozen of cases on behalf of women injured using a Johnson & Johnson product
called Intergel. The firm has recovered
millions of dollars for their clients in confidential settlements with the
company. Firm attorney Susanne Scovern
served as the principal attorney involved in the cases.
In re Defective Ancure Products Liability Litigation United States District Court, Northern District of California and Santa Clara County Superior Court. The firm represents dozens of individuals who were implanted with a defective device. Joseph Russell serves as the lead attorney in the cases.
Table Bluff Reservation (Wiyot Tribe) et al., v. Philip
Morris, et al., United States District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division, No. C 99‑02621 MHP. The firm represented Native American Tribes challenging the $200 billion plus state tobacco agreement on the grounds that it violated their civil rights. The case was argued in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Fen-Phen Product Liability Litigation MDL 1203, California State Court. The firm filed a medical monitoring and punitive damage claim on behalf of California residents.
In re Baxter Heparin LitigationWisconsin
and Illinois State Courts (consolidated with MDL 1953). The firm represents a number of injured
victims and their families arising out of contaminated heparin blood transfusion products imported from other countries. The firm has filed cases in Illinois and Wisconsin State Court. Audet & Partners, LLP partner/founder William M. Audet serves as court appointed liaison counsel in the Wisconsin cases. The firm continues to evaluate and file cases for seriously injured clients.
In re Pfizer Chantix Litigation The firm represents dozens of families who
were not properly and fully warned about the safety issues associated with use
of Chantix. The firm has filed, with co-counsel, cases in state and federal court and continues to meet with
potential clients who have claims against the defendants for failure to warn.
In re Glaxo Avandia Litigation. The firm represents dozens of families whose
loved ones suffered heart attacks and other injuries relating to use of Avandia. The firm was one of the first plaintiffs’ law firms in the United States to uncover the case and file cases against the
manufacturer of Avandia. The firm continues to meet with potential clients about their claims. Along with William Audet, attorney Susanne Scovern heads up the firm team in reviewing potential cases and assisting in
the prosecution of cases against the defendants.
In re Google Litigation
Northern District of California, San Jose Division. Serving as Court-appointed Liaison Counsel,
the firm represents advertisers on Google's web pages who claim to have been overcharged for advertising
through a complicated monthly charge program.
Smith v. Hewlett‑Packard Santa Clara County Superior Court, CV 776794. The firm serves as Plaintiffs' Liaison Counsel. Contrary to HP's representations, the Recorders could only consistently
and reliably record less user data than the industry standard. When attempting to record more, error
messages appeared, previously recorded data was lost and the CD became useless.
In Re Whirlpool Litigation class
action litigated in nine states including California, Minnesota, Pennsylvania,
Ohio and Tennessee. Audet &
Partners, LLP partner Michael McShane served as Court appointed co-lead counsel
in a multi-state class action involving claims of breach of warranty and
product defect against both Whirlpool Corporation and Sears & Roebuck, Inc.
Palm Treo Litigation Santa Clara County Superior Court. Audet & Partners, LLP partner Michael McShane served as class counsel in a nationwide class action involving claims
of product defect against Palm, Inc.
Roberts v. Bausch & Lomb United States District Court, Northern District of Alabama, No. CV-94-C-1144-W. William M.
Audet, the firm’s principal partner, served on the Plaintiffs' Committee in
this nationwide consumer class action. A
settlement against Bausch & Lomb was approved by the Court on
August 1, 1996. Under the
settlement, Bausch & Lomb agreed to $68 million in cash and products to 1.5
million buyers of the Company's disposable contact lenses.
Hilla v. TCI Cablevision Santa Clara County Superior Court, No.
CV-769105. The firm represented
California residents involving illegal overcharges by the cable company for
late fees.
Plotkin v. General Electric United States District Court, Northern District of California,
Action No. C-92-4447. The firm filed a
class action against General Electric for defrauding the American public in the
sale of Energy Choice Light Bulbs, which were claimed to be energy efficient,
required less electricity and would preserve the environment. General Electric subsequently settled this
national class action.
Afanador v. H&R Block Tax Services Inc., Santa Clara County Superior Court, California, No. CV-767677. The Firm's attorneys, along with other Plaintiffs' counsel, successfully represent consumers in claims against H&R Block arising out of its "Rapid Refund" program.
Sears Automotive Center Consumer Litigation United States District Court, Northern District of California,
No. C-92-2227. The firm filed a class
action on behalf of consumers defrauded by Sears' Auto Centers. The case was successfully concluded in August
1992. William M. Audet was appointed to
the Plaintiffs'
Steering Committee.
Chamberlain v. Flashcom
Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 00 CC 04212. In this class action, William M. Audet,
principal partner, along with other counsel successfully a remedy against
Defendant's unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent business conduct.
Providian Credit Card Cases San Francisco County Superior Court, JCCP No. 4085. The
Providian Defendants purported to facilitate the issuance of credit cards to
people with damaged credit histories. The
case settled for in excess of $10 million. William M. Audet served as Class Counsel.
In re Kia Litigation
Orange County Superior Court. William M. Audet served as class counsel in a number of jurisdictions in a case involving claims by Kia regarding its automotive products. The case was settled with a significant monetary and non-monetary recovery for the class.
In re Unum Provident Litigation United States District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee,MDL No. 1552. Audet & Partners, LLP firm partners William
M. Audet and Michael McShane serve as Court-appointed Lead
Counsel in a pending class action on behalf of Plaintiffs alleging the wrongful
denial of benefits under long term disability policies.
In re Industrial Life Insurance Litigation United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana., MDL Nos. 1371, 1382, 1390, 1391, and 1395. William M. Audet served on the Court-appointed Plaintiffs' Steering Committee. The class cases involve claims that insurance companies overcharge African-Americans for life and health insurance.
In re Life of Georgia Insurance Litigation Thirteenth Judicial District, Shelby County, Memphis, Tennessee. Reached nationwide class settlement in 2002 on behalf of class of insureds discriminated against in the issuance of life insurance. William M. Audet served as Court-appointed Co-Lead Counsel.
Thorn v. Jefferson Pilot Insurance Co. United States District Court, South Carolina. Nationwide class on behalf of purchasers of life insurance. Michael McShane of the firm represents the proposed Plaintiffs class alleging racial discrimination in the issuance of life insurance policies
In re Average Wholesale Price Litigation MDL Docket No. 1456. Audet & Partners, LLP partner William M. Audet and Michael McShane of the firm serve as Court appointed members of the Executive Committee, representing Plaintiffs in a nation-wide class action allegedly the manipulation of pricing for prescription drugs.
In re Tenet Healthcare Litigation Los Angeles County, Superior Court,
California. Numerous actions coordinated in 2002 by the Judicial Council. Partners William M. Audet and Michael McShane served among three Court appointed Lead Counsel on behalf of nationwide class of individuals who were allegedly overcharged directly, or through their health insurance for medical services, products and medication.
Lawson, et al., v. Liberty Life Birmingham, Alabama, No. 96-1119. William M. Audet of the firm, along with four other Plaintiffs' Counsel, represents a proposed class of life insurance policy holders of Liberty Life Corporation who were subjected to unlawful life insurance policy "churning" by Liberty Life.
In re PRK/Lasik, Laser
Surgery Overcharges Litigation Santa Clara County Superior Court,
California, Master File No. CV772894. Audet
& Partners LLP attorneys William M. Audet and Joseph Russell served as
Court-appointed Liaison Counsel in a nationwide class action case alleging
antitrust violations again Visx, Inc. and Summit, Inc.
Flat Glass Antitrust Litigation United States District Court, Western District of
Pennsylvania, MDL No. 1200 (and related cases). Mr. Audet of the firm serves as one of five Court-appointed Discovery
Committee members and as Plaintiffs' Counsel in a national class action antitrust case pending
against the manufacturers of flat glass.
Toys R Us Antitrust Litigation United States District, Northern District
of California, No. C-97-3931-TEM. The
firm filed a national class action antitrust complaint on behalf of toy
consumers.
Los Angeles Milk Antitrust Litigation Los Angeles County Superior Court, California, No. BC
070661. William M Audet and other
members of the firm, along with other Plaintiffs' Counsel, represents consumers
arising out of claims of antitrust violations against Los Angeles supermarkets
due to alleged price fixing of milk.
California Indirect Purchaser Auction House Cases San Francisco County Superior Court, No. 310313. In this case against Christie's and others, Defendants are charged with conspiring to fix
commissions for the sale at auction of art and other items in California.
Pharmaceutical Antitrust Cases San Francisco County Superior Court, California, Judicial
Council Coordination Proceeding, No. 2969. The firm members worked on a case for independent pharmacies pursuing
claims against major drug manufacturers for violation of California's price
fixing statutes.
In re Vitamin Antitrust Litigation California, North Carolina, Tennessee and Maine. William M. Audet serves as lead counsel in three states and on the Plaintiffs' Executive Committee in one state (California) in class claims involving alleged price fixing by the manufacturers of vitamin products.
In re Methionine Antitrust Litigation MDL Docket No. 1311. William M. Audet serves as class counsel in a case involving allegations
of price fixing in the Methionine industry.
In re Bromine Antitrust Litigation Docket No. 1310. The
firm serves as class counsel in a case involving allegations of antitrust
violations in the Bromine industry.
In re Carbon Fiber Antitrust Litigation C.D. Cal., C 99‑11475 RJK. Manufacturers, sellers, and distributors of
carbon fibers were sued by makers of airplanes, spacecraft parts, industrial
and sporting equipment for conspiring to maintain an artificially inflated
price for their product. The firm
members served as one of Plaintiffs' counsel.
In re: Terazosin Hydrochloride Antitrust Litigation S.D.Fla. MDL 1317. In
this lawsuit Plaintiffs allege a conspiracy to create a monopoly and fix prices
of this widely used prescription drug as well as preventing the sale of any
generic bioequivalent to Hytrin. The
firm members served as one of Plaintiffs' counsel.
In re Dram Antitrust MDL
1486, Northern District of California. William M. Audet of the firm serves as class counsel in a class action
case to recover money for class members due to antitrust activity in the DRAM
industry.
In re Copper Tubings Litigation United States District Court, District of Tennessee. William M. Audet of the firm was appointed as
Co-lead Class Counsel in a case involving an alleged worldwide conspiracy to
overcharge customers in the copper tubing industry.
In re CNET Derivative Litigation William M. Audet and Michael McShane of the firm filed a case
against the corporate Defendants for insider trading and back dating of
options. The case was filed in San
Francisco Superior Court, California.
Adaptec Derivative Litigation Santa Clara County Superior Court, California, Master File
No. CV 772590. The firm serves as
Liaison Counsel in a derivative action filed on behalf of shareholders of
Adaptec, Inc.
In re Genesis Securities Litigation Northern District Court of California. William M. Audet serves as class counsel on a
case filed against Genesis. After the
case was dismissed by the District Court, the firm filed an appeal and
ultimately settled the case for $1.5 million.
Informix Derivative Securities Litigation San Mateo Superior Court, California, Case No. 402254. The firm served as one of the Plaintiffs' Derivative Counsel in a shareholder lawsuit alleging
derivative claims on behalf of Informix.
Solv-Ex Securities Litigation Second Judicial District Court, County of Bernalillo, New
Mexico, No. CV-96-09869. The firm serves
as Plaintiffs' Class Counsel in a suit alleging securities fraud against
Solv-Ex Corporation and other insider defendants.
Imp, Inc., Securities Litigation Santa Clara County Superior Court, California,
No. CV762109. The firm represents
shareholders of Imp, Inc. in an action against certain insiders of Imp, Inc.,
for alleged insider trading of the Company's stock.
CBT Group Derivative Litigation San Mateo County Superior Court,
California, No. 406767. The Firm's founder, William M. Audet served as one of two plaintiffs' counsel representing shareholders of CBT Group, PLC, in a
derivative action against officers and directors of the Company.
Oakley Technology Derivative Litigation Santa Clara County Superior Court, California,
No. CV75829. The Firm's members served as one of three Co-lead Counsel in a
derivative securities case brought on behalf of shareholders of Oakley
Technology, Inc., brought against certain Officers and Directors of the
Company.
Horizon Securities Litigation United States District Court for New Mexico, No. 96-0442
BB/LCS. William M. Audet of the firm
serves as one of the Plaintiffs' Class Counsel in a securities case filed
against New Mexico-based Horizon Corporation for alleged violation of federal
securities laws.
Bay Networks Securities Litigation (Garnier v. Bay Networks CV764357; Greeneway v. Bay
Networks, CV765564), Santa Clara County Superior Court, California. The firm members served as one of
four-plaintiffs'
counsel representing shareholders of Bay Networks for alleged securities
violations.
Unison Healthcare Corporation Litigation United States District Court of Arizona, Case No. Civ.
97-0583-PHX. The firm members served as
one of the Plaintiffs' Class
Counsel representing investors in Unison Healthcare.
S3 Derivative Litigation
Santa Clara County Superior Court, California, No. CV770254. The firm members served as one of the
Plaintiffs' Lead Counsel in a derivative action filed on behalf of shareholders
of S-3, Inc.
In re Networks Associates Derivative LitigationSanta Clara County Superior Court,
Consolidated Case No. CV‑781854. In this case, shareholders sued officers and directors of this leading
manufacturer of anti‑virus and protocol analyzer software who sold over
800,000 shares of their personal stock for more than $33 million by
misleading the public regarding its value. William M. Audet of the firm served as Liaison Counsel.
In re Oak Technology Derivative ActionSanta Clara County Superior Court, No.
CV758629. Shareholders sued directors and officers to recover more than $100 million Defendants made by
artificially inflating the company's stock, representing that exceptional demand for the company's products existed. In fact, the company's shipments of CD-ROM controllers far exceeded what the market could absorb. Three related derivative cases were filed and subsequently consolidated. William M. Audet of the firm serves as Lead Counsel in this lawsuit.
In re Sybase Derivative Litigation N.D.Cal., No. C‑98‑0252‑CAL. The Firm's attorneys served as Plaintiffs' Counsel in this stockholder's derivative action brought on
behalf of Sybase against certain of the Company's present and former officers
and/or directors for insider trading.