What is a multidistrict litigation (MDL)?
An MDL is not a class action. Each plaintiff retains their own individual case. The MDL court handles common pretrial proceedings to avoid duplicated effort and inconsistent rulings.
In an MDL:
- Cases from across federal courts are transferred to one judge.
- The judge oversees coordinated discovery.
- A small group of representative cases (bellwethers) are selected for early trials.
- Bellwether outcomes inform settlement negotiations for the wider group.
- If no global settlement is reached, individual cases can be remanded to home districts for trial.
This is different from a class action, where one judgment binds all plaintiffs. In an MDL, every plaintiff has an individual case and an individual outcome.
Where MDL 3172 stands now
February 5, 2026 JPML consolidated cases into MDL 3172 February 19, 2026 Cases formally assigned to Judge Baker March 2026 14 cases pending in the MDL Spring 2026 Additional cases being filed weekly Coming months Coordinated discovery to begin Future Bellwether trial selection
Who can join the Cartiva MDL
- You received a Cartiva Synthetic Cartilage Implant
- You experienced complications, failure, or required revision
- Your case is within the statute of limitations in your state
- You file in federal court (or your state case is transferred)