Motley Rice was built on a two-part foundation—the guiding principle of advocating for the rights of workers, consumers, families, and investors as well as relationships with co-counsel and attorneys across the country. These relationships consistently prove to be among our greatest assets as we work to create meaningful change for our clients and these relationships continue to grow no matter whether they are existing relationships of new ones built through our co-counsel referral program.

Exciting News: We’re Expanding in Philadelphia

We're thrilled to announce the opening of our new office space in Philadelphia, under the leadership of new member attorney Mike Daly. Our new office space at 3 Logan Square has plenty of room for co-counsel to join us when you are in town for state and federal court hearings or meetings. Stay tuned for details on a celebration in September!

Read more about the Philadelphia expansion.

Views of Philadelphia from the new Motley Rice office location.

If you'd like to learn more about any of the case opportunities and specific criteria below, please do not hesitate to email the attorney contact. Questions regarding how best to advertise or communicate with potential new clients can also be sent to marketing@motleyrice.com.

Anti-Terrorism
Aviation & Transportation
Consumer & Government Fraud
Human Rights
Medical Devices
Medical Drugs
Occupational Disease & Worker Safety
Personal Injury & Wrongful Death
Toxic Exposure
Qui Tam
Whistleblower Matters

Case Opportunities:

Toxic water contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

As all of you likely know, the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 brings new hope to Marines, other military veterans, their families, and other civilians who were harmed by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Individuals who lived or worked on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987 and who have one of the 35 identified injuries could qualify for compensation. We represent veterans, spouses, children, civilian workers, governmental contractors, etc. The PACT Act only allows a two-year window for civil claims to be properly filed so we believe time is of the essence. We have cases filed in the EDNC and are still accepting some specific cases. Contact attorney Kimberly Barone Baden or Kevin Dean to discuss our co-counsel agreement specific to this case.

GLP-1 RA lawsuits

Ozempic® Mounjaro® Rybelsus® Saxenda® Trulicity® Victoza® Wegovy® Zepbound®

Diabetes drug Ozempic and similar medicines are growing in popularity with people searching for an effective appetite suppressant. While Ozempic is often praised for its off-label use as a weight loss aid, people who use it for long periods may risk health problems, including intestinal blockages and stomach paralysis. Wegovy, a higher-dose version of Ozempic that is FDA-approved to treat obesity, may also cause life-altering effects. Manufacturer Novo Nordisk does not list stomach paralysis (gastroparesis) or intestinal blockages, both potential and deadly gastric side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy, as part of their warnings. As a result, patients may not know they are at risk for developing one of these serious conditions, both which can require hospitalizations and surgery to treat. Our medical drug attorneys are investigating claims. Contact attorney Sara Couch for more information.

Social media and teen mental health

There is a growing mental health crisis among teenagers and children that can be attributed to an alleged addiction to Instagram or another social media platform. Parents or guardians who recently lost a child under the age of 18 to suicide believed due to an addiction to social media usage, or parents of children diagnosed with eating disorders, body dysmorphia, anxiety or depression, self harm or attempted suicide believed due to compulsive usage of social media products may have a claim. Young adults ages 18-21 who used social media before the age of 13 and had a diagnosed eating disorder or documented attempted suicide or self-harm while a minor may also have a claim. These claims are currently pending in MDL 3047 before Honorable Gonzales-Rodriguez in the Northern District of California and in California State Court Coordination JCCP 5255 pending before Honorable Kuhl in Los Angeles County. Previn Warren is co-lead in the MDL and attorney Jonathan Orent is leading the state court efforts on the PSC for Motley Rice.

Toxic hair relaxer

We are reviewing potential claims related to hair relaxers and straighteners that contain formaldehyde and other Endocrine disrupting chemicals that are known to cause cancer in humans. Individuals diagnosed with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer or endometrial cancer after using a chemical hair relaxer or straightener product may be eligible. On February 6, 2023, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated cases before Honorable Mary M. Rowland in the Northern District of Illinois in MDL 3060, In re: Hair Relaxer Marketing Sales Practices And Products Liability Litigation. Fidelma Fitzpatrick serves as co-lead counsel and Tope Leyimu serves on the Leadership Development Council.

Toxic weed killer

Paraquat® is one of the most popular herbicides in the country, but some farmers and agricultural workers believe the weed killer caused them to develop Parkinson’s Disease. Paraquat is sold under multiple trade names such as Gramoxone, Ortho-Paraquat, Para-SHOT, Parazone, Quick-Quat, Firestorm and Helmquat. Those who have had Paraquat exposure and later developed neurological injuries, including Parkinson’s Disease, may have a claim. Motley Rice attorney Fidelma Fitzpatrick is co-lead in In Re: Paraquat Products Liability Litigation pending before Honorable Abbe F. Fletman in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

In addition to Paraquat, thousands of people have filed lawsuits alleging popular weed killer Roundup® caused their Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). Motley Rice is currently investigating and accepting these cases. Contact attorney Chelsea Monroe with questions.

Morgan Stanley financial advisors ERISA class action

We have brought claims on behalf of former Morgan Stanley financial advisors (FAs) (Matthew T. Shafer, et al., vs. Morgan Stanley, et al.) in a proposed class action alleging Morgan Stanley violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) when it forced FAs to forfeit their deferred compensation when they left to join a new firm. When deciding whether the named plaintiffs must arbitrate their claims, the court recently found that Morgan Stanley’s deferred compensation program for FAs were subject to ERISA. This finding significantly strengthens claims against the defendant because ERISA prohibits the forfeiture of deferred compensation. The ruling’s potential ramifications for former FAs include the recovery of their forfeited compensation, an amount that will vary by person but that we believe could be a substantial amount, accrued interest, and attorneys' fees and costs. Considering these developments, we are actively preparing to initiate individual arbitration claims on behalf of clients. We are currently seeking former Morgan Stanley FAs who forfeited deferred compensation, at any time since 2015, to consider joining our efforts. Connect with Doug Needham or Mat Jasinski for more information.

Heavy metals in baby food

Evidence has emerged over the past several years that multiple popular baby food manufacturers, including manufacturers of organic products, have sold food that contains high levels of toxic metals like lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. In 2021, the U.S. House Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy published a report identifying high levels lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium in baby food manufactured by certain manufacturers—including Beech-Nut, Gerber, Hain Celestial Group – Earth’s Best Organic, Nurture – Happy Family Organics and Happy BABY, Plum Organics, Sprout Foods – Sprout Organic Food, and Walmart – Parent’s Choice. Arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury are naturally occurring metals capable of causing profound threats to human health, with vulnerability presenting in infants who can suffer numerous developmental disabilities associated with their consumption including decreased IQ, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other cognitive impairments. Motley Rice is currently accepting these cases. Contact attorneys Fidelma Fitzpatrick or Laura Stemkowski for more information.

Hamas October 7th terrorist attacks

On October 7, 2023, the Hamas terrorist organization waged the deadliest attack on Israel in its history, murdering over 1200 men, women and children, injuring thousands, and taking over 200 civilians hostage. People who were harmed in the attacks may be able to file a lawsuit against Hamas and any other responsible foreign parties.

Syfovre

Syfovre (pegcetacoplan injection)—manufactured by Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.—was approved by the FDA in February 2023 as the first treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration. In July 2023, the American Society of Retinal Specialists (ASRS) Research and Safety in Therapeutics Committee issued a member communication showing multiple reports of retinal vasculitis and retinal vascular occlusion in patients who received the Syfovre injection. As of December 1, 2023, Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. confirmed there were 12 events of retinal vasculitis and two additional suspected cases. Some patients receiving Syfovre injections suffered from intra-ocular inflammation (IOI) of varying degrees, retinal vasculitis and occlusive retinal vasculitis after a single injection of Syfovre. Motley Rice is currently investigating and accepting these cases. Contact attorneys Kimberly Barone Baden or Ann E. Rice Ervin for more information.

Zantac

On Oct. 18, 2019, manufacturer Sanofi announced a voluntary recall of heartburn drug Zantac due to it containing N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which may cause cancer in humans. People who have been diagnosed with certain types cancer after taking Zantac to treat heartburn may be eligible.

Defective I.V.F. Fluid 

Lawsuits are being filed against CooperSurgical alleging their I.V.F. fluid was defective. If you went through I.V.F. treatment where viable embryos failed to cultivate in culture media made by CooperSurgical, you may have a claim. 

GM Driver Data Collection

On March 11, 2024 a story published in the New York Times revealed that GM, among other auto manufacturers, had been collecting driver data via its OnStar Smart Driver service and sharing that data to brokers LexisNexis and Verisk. Those data brokers were then passing the information on to driver’s insurance companies leading to increased rates based on driving behavior that lacked context and might not have even been related to those drivers. Some drivers even alleged that they had not enrolled in the service and had not consented to data sharing, which was covered in a follow-up article in the New York Times. Motley Rice is currently investigating and accepting these cases. Contact attorney Graham Maiden for more information.

Ongoing Case Opportunities

Anti-Terrorism

U.S. military personnel injured by IEDs and EFPs funded by sponsors of terrorist groups

Aviation & Transportation

  • Commercial or Private Plane and Helicopter Crashes involving all types of aircraft
  • Runway Incursions, Taxiway Collisions and Aircraft Ground Collisions
  • Any Midair Collision
  • Drones and autonomous vehicle crashes including near misses with aircraft
  • Military Helicopter and other military aircraft crashes, especially Black Hawk accidents, occurring anywhere in the world
  • Boeing 787 Dreamliner accidents, incidents or pilot deviations

Consumer & Government Fraud

  • Participants in the Federal Employee Health Benefits program who purchased in-home medical products or services from CareCentrix and were overcharged for them
  • Owners of a 2011-2015 model Audi or Volkswagen with a 3.0 Liter TFSI engine
  • Owners of Volkswagen or Audi vehicles with defective timing chain tensioners that in could cause engine damage

Human Rights

  • Claims of childhood sexual abuse by clergy or other organizational or group leaders that may be litigating under recently passed of “window” laws extending statutes of limitations in states around the country.
  • Being under the control of another person against their will is something millions of people around the world experience, including in the U.S. While human trafficking is criminal, victims may also be able to seek justice by filing civil claims

Medical Devices

We litigate cases for people suffering serious complications, or sadly who lost their lives due to dangerous medical devices, including: 

  • Dexcom G6 is often praised for its convenience, some diabetics have called its safety into question, alleging faulty readings and failures to alert patients of impending severe low blood sugar. If the device fails, the outcome can be disastrous, including dangerously low blood sugar episodes leading to coma, seizure or even death. 
  • Recalled Allergan Biocell® textured breast implants and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) diagnosis
  • Complications from Paragard® IUD. Read more on the criteria for the severe injuries, which can occur from this birth control device
  • Hernia mesh revision and other complications from manufacturers including Atrium C-QUR™, C.R. Bard mesh that use Marlex polypropylene, Johnson & Johnson Ethicon Physiomesh® Flexible Composite and Composix® Kugel® Mesh patches
  • Implanted Cook Medical retrievable IVC Filters
  • Pelvic/transvaginal mesh/sling devices. While we’ve resolved cases for thousands of women injured by TVM devices, women will continue to be harmed over the life of the product. Where a woman suffers severe symptoms and has a revision or other surgical repair, she may have a new case
  • Stryker® LFIT V40 Femoral Head and required additional hip revision surgery
  • Complications from Medtronic Insulin Pumps, which may be subject to a recall and can cause over or under dosing to diabetes patients
  • Many patients have become seriously ill following a medical procedure involving a duodenoscope, the FDA reports that its complex design may impede effective reprocessing, or the cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing of these types of scopes

Medical Drugs

We are representing people who died or developed:

  • Partial or permanent hearing loss in people who have received Tepezza infusions
  • Eye infections after using recalled EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops.
  • Pancreatic, colorectal, lung or cancers after taking Belviq® or Belviq XR® for weight loss
  • Ovarian cancer after using talcum powder on the perineum for an extended amount of time
  • Mesothelioma and other lung diseases after inhaling asbestos-tainted talcum powder
  • Serious liver illness after being prescribed an excessive dosage of Ocaliva for chronic liver disease
  • Serious side effects, including kidney injuries, renal failure, acute interstitial nephritis, after taking Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) for heartburn, GERD, ulcers, esophageal inflammation, or other stomach acid ailments

Occupational Disease & Worker Safety

Motley Rice represents workers and their families injured or killed by hazardous workplace exposures to toxic dusts, chemicals and defective equipment in litigation. We are reviewing cases involving: 

  • People with Mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases, merchant seamen in Jones Act cases, and railroad workers in FELA cases
  • Workers in pet food, perfume, food and coffee roasting plants exposed to chemicals such as diacetyl and acetyl propionyl and with Chemical flavoring-related lung disease. 
  • Workers and consumers injured or killed after using paint strippers containing Methylene Chloride
  • Workers with cancer or impairment of the nervous, immune, endocrine or reproductive systems who were exposed to dioxins and PCBs used as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors, and other electrical equipment from 1929 to 1979
  • Workers severely injured, including those experiencing traumatic brain injury, severe burns, loss of limb or paralysis, or killed in workplace accidents, including falls and explosions including those involving worker’s compensation who have other claims.

Personal Injury & Wrongful Death

Toxic Exposure

  • Our attorneys are actively involved in numerous PFAS-related litigations, including Joe Rice serving as co-lead in the AFFF MDL. We continue to evaluate contamination cases.

Whistleblower Matters

Whistleblowers of all types, including: