The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday sided with Bristol-Myers Squibb in a case that could make it more difficult for patients to sue major corporations in state courts over injuries caused by the companies' products, reports Politico.
The case focused on whether out-of-state residents could join a lawsuit filed in California state court against Bristol-Myers over injuries allegedly caused by the drugmaker's blood thinner Plavix. While Bristol-Myers sold the drug in California, nonresidents did not purchase or use the drug in the state.
The Supreme Court ruled out-of-state residents were not eligible to join in the lawsuit in an 8-1 vote. The federal judges agreed California's Supreme Court made an error when it allowed out-of-state plaintiffs to join the case against Bristol-Myers.
The ruling will limit consumers' involvement in liability cases surrounding allegedly flawed products to numerous industries beyond just healthcare, according to the report.
Proponents say the ruling will prevent patients from "forum shopping" for product liability cases. Opponents worry the decision will hinder consumers' ability to hold corporations accountable for their actions, reports Politico.
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