The Covidien lawsuit appears to be progressing toward potential settlement discussions, as both parties have agreed to extend the deadline for selecting a mediator until February 24, 2025. This extension provides additional time to negotiate the choice of a neutral third party to facilitate settlement talks, a crucial step toward resolving the claims.

The timeline for expert discovery remains largely intact, with plaintiffs required to submit expert reports by March 7, 2025, and defendants by April 18, 2025. However, the agreement to push back the mediation deadline indicates that both sides are open to meaningful discussions that could lead to a resolution.

While a settlement is not guaranteed at this stage, the ongoing emphasis on mediation suggests that both parties are exploring potential resolutions while simultaneously preparing for bellwether trials. These early trials—if they proceed—would play a key role in determining liability and potential settlement values for the broader group of plaintiffs.

Many anticipate that Covidien settlement amounts may surpass those seen in Bard cases, though the final outcome remains uncertain.