Implant Suit Is Denied Class-Action Status

A Louisiana state judge ruled that a lawsuit against Dow Chemical Co. for its alleged part in the development of silicone breast implants could not be a class action. State District Judge Yada Magee said in New Orleans that there were too many individual issues in the cases to qualify as a class. She said the eight women who were class representatives could continue their legal action against the Midland, Mich.-based chemical giant. The women won a landmark victory in August when a jury ruled the company was negligent and intentionally withheld information about implant dangers. That same jury will reconvene for the second phase, which is set to begin Jan. 7, to decide if silicone breast implants cause illnesses or injuries. A spokeswoman for the plaintiffs said Magee’s decision would be appealed.