G&E Files Petition for Consolidation of Video Game Addiction Lawsuits
As more lawsuits are filed blaming video game makers for addicting children, law firms are pushing to centralize the suits in federal court in an effort to streamline the litigation.
Video games can be a fun pastime for many people who want an escape from reality and to have a little fun. Unfortunately, as video games have permeated American culture, many of these games have also had negative impacts on our most vulnerable population: children. Parents are now raising concerns about the addictive nature of certain video games, leading to problems with academic performance, social withdrawal, and mental health issues.
Game makers of today’s most popular games, including Fortnite, Roblox, Minecraft, Call of Duty, and Grand Theft Auto, are at the center of a growing number of lawsuits alleging that the games were intentionally designed to addict children. Reward-driven tactics, in-game purchases, and multiplayer online platforms have contributed to an increase in video game addiction in young players.
Plaintiffs’ law firm Grant & Eisenhofer recently filed a petition with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) on behalf of plaintiffs to consolidate 17 lawsuits before one judge, arguing that these games are designed to addict children and teens and have subsequently caused physical, emotional, and cognitive harm. Plaintiffs are requesting that all similar complaints pending throughout the federal court system be consolidated for discovery and pretrial proceedings and centralized before the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, as part of a video game addiction MDL (multidistrict litigation). An MDL is a commonly used legal mechanism in federal court that coordinates many cases filed in different courts across the country alleging similar claims to help expedite discovery and pre-trial proceedings. The video game addiction MDL seeks to include allegations against Epic Games (maker of Fortnite), Roblox Corporation (maker or Roblox), and Microsoft (maker of Minecraft), channeling cases concerning these three “gateway” video games.
If the cases are consolidated, it is likely that the judge will select a series of cases as bellwether trials which may help gauge how a jury would respond to similar evidence and testimony that will likely be repeated throughout the litigation.
How Do I Know If My Child is Addicted to Video Games?
Has your child experienced at least one or more of the following symptoms for over 12 months?
- Decline in academic performance
- Less social interaction with family or friends
- Loss of interest in previous hobbies and entertainment
- Withdrawal symptoms if game is taken away
- Change in eating patterns due to gaming
- Deceiving family members or others
- Violent behavior and/or attempted suicide
If yes, your child may be addicted to video games. Reach out to an attorney today.
Does This Sound Like Your Child?
You may be eligible to seek compensation if your child is addicted to Roblox, Fortnite, or Minecraft. Contact Grant & Eisenhofer today to learn about the potential recoveries that may be available for you to pursue for your child’s health.
